The Senate voted 64-35 on Thursday to pass S.3240, the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act.

S.3240 includes provisions that were authored by Sen. Daniel Akaka, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. The bill establishes a permanent Office of Tribal Relations within the Department of Agriculture to enhance outreach, communication and tribal consultation.

“I am especially grateful that my colleagues honored our trust responsibility and the special government-to-government relationship between the United States and Indian tribal governments by adopting two amendments I authored," Akaka said yesterday.

Another amendment removes barriers to loans for Indian farmers and ranchers. Akaka says the provision will make it easier for them to develop their own lands.

"These provisions will help to spur job creation, upgrade infrastructure, encourage small business growth, and enhance economic development on Indian lands and surrounding communities," Akaka said.

The House is set to begin work on its version of the farm bill next month.

Get the Story:
Bipartisanship prevails as Senate passes big bill that sets farm policy, funds food stamps (AP 6/21)
Senate Passes Farm Bill With Bipartisan Support (The New York Times 6/22)