Kaine Comes to the Valley, Talks Farm Bill

Sen. Tim Kaine visited the Valley Friday and stopped in Hinton as one of the main topics he touched up on was the farm bill.

Many different issues were brought up at Friday morning at the Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative.

One of the biggest issues Kaine said could have the biggest impact in the Valley is the farm bill.

He said the biggest hold up on a farm bill deal continues to be the food stamp program.

The Senate has passed their own version of the bill; however, congressional Republicans would like to see more cuts.

Kaine believes differences are narrowing and said he expects both sides to come together by February and lock up up a five-year deal.

That deal, he said would bring back some certainty to agriculture and food production.

"We got a budget deal passed in December, first budget deal in 4 years. This farm Bill would be another step that would be a real positive one. Our Senate Ag chair, Senator Stabenow, from Michigan, is increasingly optimistic that we are going to get to a deal," said Kaine.

Kaine, along with other members of Congress will return to Washington, D.C. next week after being on recess.

That's when Kaine hopes to receive good news on updates regarding the farm bill.

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