The conference report was debated in the House on May 1 and 2, 2002. The biggest challenge to the bill came in the form of a motion to recommit offered by Representative Ron Kind. That motion would have sent the bill back to the conference committee for revision; specifically, it would have forced the conferees to return to the sensible payment limitations proposed in the Senate’s version of the Bill. That motion failed, 172-251. Immediately thereafter, House Agriculture Committee leaders moved for final passage of the conference report, which passed 280-141.

The Senate took up the bill on May 7 and is expected to vote on it today, May 8. It is expected to pass, despite opposition from Senator Lugar and several other senators. President Bush is expected to sign the final bill.