Tom Fudge: Last week, members of a U.S. House and Senate conference committee said they've reach an agreement on the American farm bill. Approval of the compromise is expected to come in the Senate and the House this week.
The five-year, $300 billion legislation is a staple of congressional action. And critics say it's generally a boondoggle. The farm bill is heavily influenced by farm state politics. In past years, it has provided billions of dollars in subsidies to commodity farmers -- those who plant corn, wheat, soybeans, rice and cotton. And now it's coming at a time when farmers are enjoying record profits.
President Bush says he'll veto the bill even though the House and the Senate say they have the votes to override.
The California Farm Bureau says this year's bill is different and better from past bills. They say it provides more money to California fruit and vegetable farmers, who normally get nothing.
Guest:
- Eric Larson, executive director of the San Diego County Farm Bureau
