Congress keeps farm bill subsidies quiet

MSNBC
Thu, 30 Jan 2014 17:37 UTC

All In reveals how lawmakers deleted a provision that would let the public learn how much lawmakers get in crop insurance subsidies.

Comment: More information about secrets in Congress' Farm Bill: Fee planted in farm bill could increase costs of home heating oil just as costs soar

Congress' mammoth farm bill restores the imposition of an extra fee on home heating oil, hitting consumers in cold-weather states just as utility costs are spiking.

The fee - two-tenths of a cent on every gallon sold - was tacked on to the end of the 959-page bill, which is winding its way through Capitol Hill. The fee would last for nearly 20 years and would siphon the money to develop equipment that is cheaper, more efficient and safer, and to encourage consumers to update their equipment.

It's just one of dozens of provisions tucked into the farm bill, which cleared the House on a bipartisan 251-166 vote last week and faces a key filibuster test in the Senate on Monday. It is expected to survive and face final passage Tuesday before heading to President Obama's desk.