The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote Wednesday on a $307 billion farm bill that will create a commission to spur economic development in the Northeast.

The Northern Border Regional Commission will spend $30 million per year on economic develop programs in economically distressed areas of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York.

Maine Rep. Michael Michaud, a Democrat, praised House and Senate negotiators for including the commission in the final bill. Michaud had worked for several years to create the commission.

“This will help advance economic development in Maine and our entire region,” Michaud said. “Targeted federal investment in our region would help us capitalize on our great assets to build a stronger economy for the future.

Michaud urged his colleagues to vote for the bill, which President Bush has threatened to veto because of its cost. The bill would spend $307 billion over five years on money for the Food Stamp program, nutritional programs and subsidies for crops.

Congress last approved a farm bill in 2002.