Arkansas Rep. Marion Berry (D) Cashing In on Federal ServiceGAO Reveals U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) receives farm subsidies under maiden name

by The Truth in Arkansas Politics: Recent coverage about farm subsidies for minority farmers got us thinking. Where is the outrage over Marion Berry cashing in on his position in Congress? Consider if you will, between 1996 and 2000, farm and land-holding companies that Berry owns with relatives in eastern Arkansas have received $750,449 in federal crop subsidies, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture records. I wonder if it is a coincidence that Berry was elected in 1996 and has served on the Agriculture Commitee ever since. I just don't see why no one has investigated this clear conflict of interest?

Inconsistencies in Federal Conflict-of-Interest Rules Of the three branches of the federal government, Congress has the fewest prohibitions on conflicts of interest and acts of self-dealing. . . . Members of Congress are not required to divest themselves of any financial inter­est, even if that interest is subject to their official oversight and influence. Nor are they required to recuse themselves from voting on issues that may harm or benefit the personal investment interests of themselves or their relatives. Funny how the Democrats in Congress are always pointing the finger at the Bush Administration when in fact it is Congress that has such loopholes in profiting of their service. . . . [Read More] See also: The Other King of Pork -- AR Rep. Marion Berry

Subsidies for Deceased Farmers - GAO reports that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) distributed $1.1 billion in subsidies over the past seven years to the estates or companies of deceased farmers. . . . The resistance to agriculture reform is partially explained by the conflicts of interest that exist between policymakers and the farm subsidy program. The Heritage Foundation’s Ron Utt writes that many members of Congress benefit directly from the program; . . . Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) receives subsidies under her maiden name, Blanche Lambert . . . The waste and abuse in the farm program, coupled with its economic ramifications, hurts taxpayers and the economy. The GAO report is a timely reminder of the importance of agriculture reform.

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