Congress Approves Disaster Assistance Again
For Immediate Release: May 24, 2007
Contact: Liz Friedlander, 202-314-3191Supporting Audio: 1 track
WASHINGTON (May 24, 2007) – National Farmers Union commended Congressional leadership today, following approval of $3 billion in agricultural disaster assistance for producers affected by weather conditions out of their control.
“Farmers and ranchers have suffered tremendous economic losses over the past three years as a result of weather-related disasters and they desperately need help,” NFU President Tom Buis said. “I commend the leadership for their steadfast support of disaster assistance. Hopefully the President will act swiftly and sign the bill so producers can receive relief.”
Securing disaster relief has long been an NFU priority and this assistance will provide a much-needed helping hand for the countryside. Producers in virtually every state have been affected by Mother Nature’s fury, leaving many struggling to survive. America’s family farmers and ranchers are the best in the world, but they cannot control the weather.
“NFU and our farm and ranch members have worked tirelessly on the issue and refused to give up, so long as the need was there. Droughts, floods, wildfires and snowstorms have all placed a heavy burden on producers,” Buis said.
The $3 billion in disaster assistance was included in the fiscal year (FY) 2007 Supplemental Appropriations bill and assists producers who suffered crop and livestock losses from weather-related disasters during either 2005, 2006 or 2007.
“Producers have been struggling for far too long and I urge the President to sign this important legislation,” Buis said.
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