Disaster Funds Included in Supplemental Bill

May 25, 2007 - The U.S. Congress passed a $120 billion emergency supplemental spending bill that provides about $3 billion for agriculture disaster assistance. This provision provides needed relief to farmers and ranchers nationwide who experienced serious losses in 2005, 2006 or 2007. The provision was part of the supplemental spending bill that includes funding for the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The package was approved Thursday night by a vote of 280-142 in the U.S. House and 80-14 in the U.S. Senate.

President Bush is expected to sign the measure.

The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) has worked for disaster relief for sheep producers hit hard by the drought conditions the over past two years that cut through the core of sheep producing states. After two consecutive years of growth in the U.S. sheep industry, inventory fell slightly in 2006 despite strong markets, pointing to the lack of availability of feed and water as the primary cause.

Peter Orwick, ASI executive director applauded the inclusion of the Livestock Compensation Assistance in the package as it is an effective financial program for producers carrying bills and debt incurred from higher feed costs.

"After more than a year in lobbying efforts, we are anxious to have the programs implemented and financial assistance into the countryside," concluded Orwick.
Staff contact: Peter Orwick, ext. 33

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