Coalition Requests Ag Disaster Assistance

September 15, 2006 - The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) joined 33 other organizations representing rural America in urging the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives to schedule time before the Congress recess in October to debate and vote upon emergency agricultural disaster legislation for crop years 2005 and 2006.

"Over 50 percent of all U.S. counties have been declared primary or contiguous disaster areas by the U.S. Department of Agriculture this year. These designations are on top of the nearly 80 percent of counties declared disasters in 2005. The economic impact of these disasters has a resounding effect on our rural communities," the coalition contended.

While the fiscal year (FY) 2006 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Bill provided well-deserved, but limited relief, to producers who suffered from hurricane-related production losses, those that suffered from other weather-related disasters were left out.

The Senate Appropriations Committee has taken action by approving $3.9 billion as part of its FY2007 Agriculture Appropriations Bill. The coalition wants to ensure that legislation in this regard is actually voted upon as soon as possible.
Staff contact: Peter Orwick, 303-771-3500

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