Wednesday was a difficult day for The American Independent News Network, which is the larger entity that operates The Iowa Independent. Our chief executive and founder announced two of our sister sites would close and their content would be moved to The American Independent.
A recently introduced bill could have far-reaching impact on the U.S. sugar industry, including American Crystal Sugar, a farmer-owned cooperative that locked out 1,300 Midwest workers on Aug. 1.
The chairman for Herman Cain’s Iowa effort says the campaign “relied more on the word of farmers than Washington regulators” in deciding to run an ad containing claims the Environmental Protection Agency says are false.
The Iowa Senate will remain under the control of a slim 26-25 Democratic majority when it reconvenes in January 2012.
U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said today that he would also chair the conference committee on the 2007 farm bill.
This places the veteran Iowa senator in a pivotal position for ironing out differences between House and Senate ag bills.
"That does have a nice important aspect to it, if you know what I mean," Harkin said. "I get to call the meetings, and I get to decide what the agenda is."
In 2002, while Harkin was chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, it was the House's turn in a rotation to run the conference.
Harkin said his role as conference committee chairman doesn't mean he can push through all provisions favorable to Iowans.
"But still, it gives me some leverage," Harkin said.
The 2007 farm bill is a long way from conference, though.
"I think there's going to be some big battles on the Senate floor in this farm bill," Harkin said. "There will be some tough fights."
With any reforms attempted, some interest group will be hurt and "that's what the battles will be about," Harkin said.
Do you know where to vote on Election Day? Do you know what to bring with you? Get comprehensive voter information for your state here.
Sign up for our email newsletter