The Agricultural Reform and Improvement Act of 1996 (ARIA-96) , passed by the Senate on February 7, contained changes in provisions from ARA-95 (see from page article on ARA-95), plus numerous additions. Even though the Senate bill is not yet law, its provisions illustrate new paths that the Congressional leadership are taking for U .5. agricultural policy. Important modifications in programs or provisions are highlighted below. Note that the new term for transition payments is "flexibility contract payments."