The House on Thursday easily defeated a controversial amendment to reduce sugar prices that could have jeopardized the entire farm bill, with a 137-to-278 vote.
Agriculture Chairman K. Michael Conaway labeled the sugar amendment a 'poison pill,' warning that it could jeopardize support from Republicans representing rural America.
Opponents of the amendment argued it would harm U.S. family farmers while possibly increasing reliance on sugar production in countries with poor labor practices.
Despite the defeat of the sugar amendment, the farm bill's passage remains uncertain due to ongoing disputes regarding immigration policy.
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