House Passes Farm Bill With Veto-Proof Margin

The House today passed a $300 billion farm bill by a lopsided vote of 318-106, more than enough to override a threatened veto from President Bush, the New York Times reports. The measure now goes to the Senate, where it is expected to pass with even stronger support. Bush has complained that the bill gives too much money to rich farmers, but he apparently will be unable to prevent it from becoming law.

Under the five-year bill, a farming couple that makes up to $1.5 million will be eligible for subsidies. The huge bill goes well beyond farming, however. It also includes money for food stamps, rural development, land conservation, and a host of other programs palatable to lawmakers in an election year. It's good for “urban, suburban and rural areas," said one backer, though an opponent objected to making taxpayers pay for "this boondoggle." (More farm bill stories.)