House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Frank Lucas, R-Okla., submitted an amendment to the House Rules Committee that would have put a stop to USDA sharing data between the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Agriculture. That amendment to H.R. 2997, the agriculture appropriations bill, was denied consideration.
The amendment would have ensured that the funds appropriated for the USDA would not be used to implement or conduct data sharing between the two agencies. The amendment was a response to USDA's announcement last spring that it will require all farmers to sign a form granting the IRS the authority to provide income information to USDA for income verification purposes.
In response Lucas said USDA's policy ignores the intent of the law. Now according to Lucas Congress can't even bring up the issue, which is important to all farmers, in an agriculture appropriations bill. Lucas added that the Democratic leadership is denying members the opportunity to even have legislation considered.
Powered by iNet Solutions Group ©2011 All Rights Reserved.