The United States Senate joined the House of Representatives by voting 82 to 13 today to override President Bush’s veto of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act. The bill to provides a safety net for all of America’s food producers, increases funding to feed our nation’s poor, enhances support for important conservation initiatives, and helps make America more energy independent.

Following the vote, Senator Tom Harkin released the following statement:

President Bush once again showed that he is out of touch with the needs of everyday Americans by issuing the tenth veto of his administration today to veto the Farm, Conservation and Energy Act today.

As Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Senator Harkin wrote the bill to provide a safety net for all of America’s food producers, increase funding to feed our nation’s poor, enhance support for important conservation initiatives, and help make America more energy independent.

In response to the veto by President Bush, Senator Harkin released the following statement:

Senator Tom Harkin released the following statement after learning that Senator Ted Kennedy had been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor:

“I am deeply saddened by today’s news. My thoughts are with his wife Vicki and the rest of his family at this difficult time. I hope Senator Kennedy makes a speedy recovery so that he can continue his leadership here in the Senate.”

Senator Tom Harkin called on the Bush Administration again today to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay after a new report from the Department of Justice Inspector General revealed that FBI agents witnesses torture of detainees at the facility.

On May 14-15, the House and the Senate passed the 2008 Farm Bill, capping months of hard work.

As Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Senator Harkin wrote the bill that protects the safety net for all of America’s food producers, increases funding to feed our nation’s poor, enhances support for important conservation initiatives, and helps make America more energy independent.

The Senate passed the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 today by an overwhelming vote of 81-15. The bill now moves to the White House where President Bush is expected to veto it. Following the passage of this important measure, Senator Harkin released the following statement:

Fellow Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley showed his support for the 2008 Farm Bill today by signing the farm bill conference report and announced he will work with Sen. Tom Harkin to override a veto by President Bush according to the National Journal (subscription only):

In an interview with The Hill, Senator Tom Harkin responded to whether or not he would accept the Vice-President spot if asked by Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton. This is what he had to say:

Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) “No, I’d have Jon Stewart stand in for me. Jon Stewart. That’s my guy.”

Tom Harkin, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee, announced that the conference committee working on the 2008 Farm Bill has now approved all of the major elements of the bill. A few remaining issues are being addressed by congressional staff members, but the big issues are resolved and the next steps are for both the House and Senate to approve the final bill before sending to the White House for the President’s signature.