Rep. Bill Owens, D-Plattsburgh, is expressing dismay that the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives will not schedule a vote on the 2012 Farm Bill before the current farm law expires at the end of the month.

“I’m extremely disappointed that House Leadership refused to allow a vote on the Farm Bill before adjourning for the election,” said Owens, a member of the House Agriculture Committee.

“Members of both parties came together to pass a Farm Bill in the Senate, and members of both parties came together on the House Agriculture Committee to pass a bill. It is wholly unacceptable that House Leadership has blocked that bill from consideration by the full House,” said Owens.

“In light of this decision, I urge House Leadership in the strongest terms to put the Farm Bill that the House Agriculture Committee passed up for a vote when Congress returns in November.”

Congressman Owens joined Members of Congress from both parties last week in writing to House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, asking for his attention to the Farm Bill.

The legislation, which renews expiring federal farm and food programs, is critical to New York agriculture, Owens said.

The House Farm Bill was approved with a strong bipartisan vote, 35-11, in committee on June 11.

Owens is running to retain his seat in Congress to represent New York’s 21st Congressional District, with challenges from Watertown Republican businessman Matt Doheny and Green Party candidate and activist Donald Hassig of Colton.