NEWS

Senate Approves Caps on Crop Insurance for Wealthy Farmers

admin | May 24, 2013

In late May the Senate approved an amendment to the farm bill that would reduce crop insurance subsidies for wealthy farmers. The amendment, sponsored by Senators Dick Durbin (D, IL) and Tom Coburn (R, OK) would reduce crop insurance payments by 15 percent to farmers with a gross annual income of $750,000 or more.

The Senate has scheduled a final vote on passage of the Farm Bill for Monday. Earlier today they voted 75-22 to end debate on the bill and proceed towards passage.

Data: MapLight analysis of campaign contributions from crop production and basic processing industry to members of the Senate from January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2012. Data source: OpenSecrets.org

  • On average, Senators voting 'NO' received 150 percent more money from the crop production and basic processing industry than senators voting 'Yes.'
  • Clarence "Saxby" Chambliss (R, GA) has received $647,940 from the crop production and basic processing industry, more than any other senator. He voted against the amendment.
  • Senator Durbin has received $65,844 from the crop production and basic processing industry and Senator Coburn has received $8,500; both below the average for senators (i.e. $75,857).

Image credit: John Beales/Flickr