The U.S. Senate passed a bill Thursday that would cut agriculture programs by $23.6 billion over 10 years, mostly by ending direct payments to growers regardless of commodity prices, the biggest policy change in decades.

The measure was approved 64-35. While the bill ends direct payments, farmers would be protected partly by expanded crop-insurance programs and aid for so-called shallow losses when prices drop or crops fail.

The bill is "about standing up for our farmers, our small business, our exporters, our manufacturers," Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow said before the vote. "This represents significant reform."

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