Farm Subsidies Abolition Bill

[Gabu]

So... this can now pass, if we can get Emsworth to say so.

[12th Doctor]

He is holding out.  This wouldn't be politcally motivated, would it?

P.S.  Gabu, your sig is really starting to annoy me.

[MasterJedi]

He is holding out.  This wouldn't be politcally motivated, would it?

If he really is holding out he's losing a lot of respect I had for him. (No proof here). I wish Colin could get on and say this has passed with the waiting time of course.

[Emsworth]

I was until now reading posts on the other half of the fantasy forum. I apologize for the delay.

The amendment has passed.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

[12th Doctor]

Can we have a vote on this now?  It is pretty clear cut.  Either you vote for a reasonable reduction of Farm Subsidies, or you vote to keep them as is.

[Emsworth]

The question is on final passage. All those in favor, say Aye; those opposed, say No.

[Q]

Aye

[MasterJedi]

Aye

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Aye

[Gabu]

Aye.

[Ebowed]

I want my old bill back.

Yea, nonetheless.

[MasterJedi]

5 Ayes
0 Nays

This has passed since we're short one Senator.

[Emsworth]

5 Ayes
0 Nays

This has passed since we're short one Senator.

Senators have 24 hours to vote or change their votes.

[minionofmidas]

You know what would be cool? If the final version of the bill were posted in a prominent place in the thread, either at the beginning, or in the post opening the final vote.
Oh well, I'll just have to read through eleven pages.

[Emsworth]

Sorry:

Section I

The total amount of funds appropriated for Federal Farm Subsidies will be cut a total of 65%, from $16.5 billion annually to $6 billion starting the next fiscal year.

a) An additional $500 million will be set aside, each year, for the next 5 years to aid in the creation of the Third World Agricultural Independence Agency. (See Section IV)

b) The remaining $6 billion will be appropriated specifically towards agricultural operations meeting the guidelines set forth in Section II.

c) $200 million (of the remaining $6 billion) will be set aside in a permanent account, each fiscal year, to aid in emergency relief for high risk crops (i.e. wheat, grain, citrus).

Section II

a) The amount of money to be spent on state aid to farms is to be capped at $6 billion annually, except in times of agricultural crisis (which must be declared as such by the Senate).

b) Farms will recieve payments based on how low the farm in question scores on the following variables;

i) Total value of farm output
ii) Size of profit made by farm (in % terms)
iii) Ratio of agricultural labourers per acre
iv) Total value of the farm, including farm buildings and equipment

These scores will be recalculated annually

c) Money is to be shared out, according to the score, between the bottom 80% (according to the scores) of farms eligable for state aid. The lower a farms score, the higher it's % subsidies will be.

Section III

Sugar subsidies are hereby abolished as of the next fiscal year.

Section IV

The Third World Agricultural Independency Agency (TWAIA) will be established with an operating budget of $500 million per year over the next 5 years. 

a) The mission of the organization will be primarily to send personnel trained in the usage of agricultural technologies and methods to Third World nations in order to teach them to self sufficient and productive in the field of agriculture.

b) The Senate will have full oversight over this organization which will be placed under the Department of the Treasury.

c) At the end of the designated 5 year period, the Senate will review the activities of the organization and the progress that has been made in Third World nations.

1) If it is determined that proper progress has not been made, the Senate is authorized to fire all standing leaders of the Agency, but must continue funding for an additional 3 years.

2) If it is determined that the agency has reached its goals, then the Senate may vote to terminate funding.

Section V

The federal government will be authorized to establish guidelines to assure the genetic diversity of domestic agriculture.

a) All seed production facilities will be required by the FDA to preserve at least 40 separate seed lines of any flora that is produced. 

b) All companies involved in the in the large scale breeding of domesticated animals used in the production of food products will be required to preserve no fewer than 20 separate and distinct genetic lines for each species of animal breed.

[minionofmidas]

Aye.

[Frodo]

5 Ayes
0 Nays

This has passed since we're short one Senator.

Senators have 24 hours to vote or change their votes.

It's been 24 hours, counting from the moment you made that post. 

[Emsworth]

5 Ayes
0 Nays

This has passed since we're short one Senator.

Senators have 24 hours to vote or change their votes.

With six ayes, the bill is passed. I present it to President Siege40 for his signature.

[12th Doctor]

PS  The "Part I and Part II" located in the bill should be taken out.  I had to send it to Al in two parts, hence....

[minionofmidas]

PS  The "Part I and Part II" located in the bill should be taken out.  I had to send it to Al in two parts, hence....

No, I voted for it specifically on the strength of the words "Part I" and "Part II". j/k

[Siege40]

Siege40

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Thank you, Mr President