Catharine Richert talked about the Farm Bill, HR 2419, which the House is expected to debate during the week. The bill rewrites farm policy by blocking wealthy farmers from receiving government payments. It also increases spending on conservation, nutrition and rural development. Topics included how the bill effects the general public, if the bill would succeed in redirecting subsidies from large corporate farms to the small farmer, and the economic stresses on farmers. She responded to telephone calls and electronic mail. Several calls were from farmers.

Representatives Leonard Boswell, chairman of an Agriculture Committee subcommittee, spoke by telephone about the merits of the bill. He defended having the funding for the program come from closing a loophole on taxes for off-shore companies that others characterize as a tax increase.

Representative Jeff Flake spoke by telephone about the amendment to the Farm Bill that he co-sponsored to reduce and re-allocate farm subsidies. He spoke with Ms. Richert about the prospects of the bill with Republicans now that it contains a tax increase.