Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Tom Harkin announced Friday
morning that an agreement had been reached that will allow debate on
the Senate Farm Bill to move forward.

Under the agreement, Democrats and Republicans will offer up to 20
amendments from each side, plus a Manager's Amendment that will be
offered by Senator Harkin. The amendments offered will come from
among the nearly 300 amendments filed to the bill before Thanksgiving.

Debate and discussion is already underway, with the first votes on
amendments expected to start Tuesday, December 11.

As we obtain information on the amendments offered that will impact
fish and wildlife, we will pass that information on.

Two amendments that are strongly supported by NWF will likely be
included in those going to a vote:

* Wyden-Harkin Amendment to ensure that subsidies for farmers to grow
next generation biofuels really work to promote cellulosic crops, and
do not encourage destruction of native habitats and wildlife or allow
for planting of invasive species.

* Dorgen-Grassley amendment to cap the total amount of subsidies a
farm can receive at $250,000 per year, and use the savings to fund
conservation and other programs.

Duane Hovorka