In a big disappointment for NWF and the many other conservation,
environmental, taxpayer, and sustainable agriculture groups that
supported the amendment, the Dorgan-Grassley amendment fell four
votes short of approval (56-43), after Senate leaders decided
controversial amendments would require 60 votes to avoid the
potential for a filibuster. The amendment would have increased
funding for the Grassland Reserve Program, Farm and Ranchland
Protection Program and other programs with savings from capping the
amount of subsidies a farm can receive at $250,000 per year.

On a more positive note, the Craig amendment that would have
effectively eliminated the right of state and local government to use
eminent domain in acquiring farm land for conservation, parks,
recreation or similar purposes. The amendment, which needed 60 votes
to pass, only got 37, with 58 voting against.

Other amendments to boost conservation funding through crop insurance
reform (Brown-Sununu), limits on payments to high-income individuals
(Klobuchar-Durbin), or an overhaul of the commodity title (Lugar-
Lautenberg) all failed to gain enough votes for passage.

NWF's top priority amendment, the Wyden-Harkin biomass crop
transition program amendment was withdrawn, after widespread support
for the amendment forced opponents to compromise and put some
conservation safeguards back into the program - including protections
for native habitats, restrictions on planting of invasive species,
and requirements for each participant to have a conservation plan
that includes wildlife considerations.

The Domenici-Craig amendment to add Renewable Fuels Standard language
from the Energy Bill to the Farm Bill is still pending, but Senate
passage of a stripped-down Energy Bill that includes the provision
Thursday night seems to make it irrelevant.

A successful vote late last night to limit debate on the Farm Bill
means that a final vote on the Farm Bill should occur today (Friday),
after votes on other pending amendments.

We will provide additional details after the dust settles.

Reminder: you can see previous messages and review documents posted
through this listserve at:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/FarmingforWildlife_USA/

Duane Hovorka