The U-S Senate has approved a five-and-a-half billion dollar farm relief package — and President Bush says he’ll sign it. Tade Sullivan of the Iowa Corn Growers Association says the extra money ensures farmers will get the same level of government “transition payment” as they got last year.Senator Charles Grassley says Friday’s Senate action ensures help is on the way for farmers. Senator Tom Harkin, the chairman of the Senate Ag Committee, had pressed for more money for conservation programs. Sullivan says that issue can be dealt with this fall.Senator Grassley criticized Senator Harkin for loading the bill down with excess money and putting farmers’ payments at risk. Senator Harkin isn’t happy with the compromise, as he says farmers are suffering and need more, not less, federal assistance to bolster the rural economy.
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