The addition of Franken will provide the Democrats with 60 votes in the U.S.Senate, giving President Barack Obama and party leaders a better chance of passing controversial legislation such as health care reform and a cap-and-trade bill aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions linked to global warming.

VOA: standard.2009.06.30

"We can't underestimate the importance of getting CAP reform right for the rural economy, " she said.

BBC: Debate on CAP reform

Conservative AM Antoinette Sandbach called on the Welsh Government to secure the future of Welsh family farms during CAP reform negotiations.

BBC: Debate on CAP reform

The government tabled a motion proposing that the assembly notes that securing the best deal for Wales from CAP Reform is a key priority for the Welsh Government.

BBC: Debate on CAP reform