Boozman: We Need Democrats To Support Restriction Of Prop 12

Many in farm country are not happy that the Senate’s Farm Bill proposal, does not address California’s Proposition 12, which impacts animal welfare and animal confinement issues across state lines.

Senate Ag Chair John Boozman recently defended his decision not to limit the out-of-state reach of California’s legislation in his Farm Bill draft. He said the votes aren't there yet to restrict California’s animal confinement standards.

“We’re going to need a number of Democratic votes in order to get this passed on the floor," Boozman said. "So, because of that, we really haven’t identified anybody who will step up and say that they’re for this on the Democratic side. I’m personally for it. I think the pork producers don’t gain anything if you have a vote and it’s just a party-line vote.”

More than 300 farm groups have asked Senate Ag to follow suit after the House passed a Farm Bill that restricts Prop 12 from impacting how livestock is raised in other states.

“We can have all the organizations in the world support it, as I do, but if you can’t find some Democrats to actually vote for it, it doesn’t work. We’re going to have to do a better job of that coalition that is for this," Boozmand said. "We’re going to have to actually translate that to votes and get some people besides Republicans that will support this.”

The Supreme Court ruled it was up to Congress to address Prop 12 and its impact on how livestock is raised outside California for sale within the Golden State.