The Senate Agriculture Committee has approved the 2012 Farm Bill and sent it to the Senate floor for debate. Committee Chairwoman Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) says the measure reforms food and agricultural policy by eliminating direct payments and emphasizing the need to strengthen risk management tools for farmers, saving billions of dollars.

“The Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012 will save taxpayers billions of dollars while promising a safe and healthy national food supply. By eliminating duplication, and streamlining and consolidating programs, we were able to continue investing in initiatives that help farmers and small businesses create jobs,” Stabenow said.

The House has yet to finalize a draft of its version of the bill, which comes before Congress every five years.