Latest plan to cut farm subsidies likely dead

President Barack Obama faces long odds in his latest effort to cut subsidies for wealthy farmers.

Farm state lawmakers largely control agriculture committees, and attempts at subsidy reform have failed in recent years. The 2008 Farm Bill placed some income limits on recipients of subsidies, but critics such as Environmental Working Group President Ken Cook dismiss that legislation as "phony reform."

Critics of farm subsidies say soaring deficits and anti-Washington sentiment could force Capitol Hill to revisit reform proposals.

The Obama administration says its proposed subsidy cuts would save $2.3 billion over 10 years. But the Democratic leaders of both House and Senate agriculture committees oppose significant changes to existing legislation.

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