Congress passes farm bill, defying Bush

Washington (AP) — Congress has sent the White House an election-year farm bill that includes a boost in farm subsidies and more money for food stamps amid rising grocery prices.

The Senate passed the bill 81-15 today. The House approved it yesterday with 318 "yes" votes, which was enough to override a presidential veto.

President Bush has threatened to veto the $290 billion bill, saying it is fiscally irresponsible and too generous to wealthy corporate farmers at a time of record crop prices.

About two-thirds of the bill would pay for domestic nutrition programs such as food stamps and emergency food aid for the needy amid rising grocery prices. An additional $40 billion is for farm subsidies.