Congressman Cuellar Calls for Immediate Vote on Emergency Agriculture Disaster Assistance
Washington, DC- Congressman Henry Cuellar today signed a discharge petition calling for a vote on an emergency agricultural disaster bill for 2005 and 2006 before the House leaves for its announced October recess. In April, Congressman Cuellar also co-sponsored emergency agricultural disaster assistance to provide much needed relief to Texas farmers.
"The devastating drought and record heat has left Texas agriculture businesses parched and exhausted," Cuellar said. "Worried farmers and ranchers are running out of savings and options as the drought has left both crops and businesses dry. This discharge petition will enable us to put politics aside and provide farmers and ranchers with the long overdue help they so desperately need before the Congress adjourns at the end of the week."
Farmers and ranchers across the United States are struggling to recover from disastrous floods, droughts and other natural disasters that damaged or destroyed crops and livestock in 2005 and 2006. Texas agriculture has been especially hard hit. According to Texas Cooperative Extension economists, crop and livestock losses have reached a record $4.1 billion this year alone, nearly double the $2.1 billion mark set in 1998. In addition, the projected loss for rural businesses that provide equipment and services to Texas farmers is $3.9 billion. For the past year, leading Democrats in the House have sought to include agriculture disaster relief in legislation being considered by Congress. Efforts by Democrats on the House Agriculture Committee and Appropriations Committee to provide disaster assistance have been continuously defeated by House Republicans, this petition would force a vote before the full House of Representatives.
"I am joining with more the 30 farm and allied organizations, including the: American Farm Bureau; National Farmers Union; Western Peanut Growers Association; and, National Association of Wheat Growers, in calling for a vote on this legislation. Farmers and ranchers have waited long enough. They need assistance now," Cuellar said.
Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Budget and Agriculture committees in the 109th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care and economic development are his priorities.
http://www.house.gov/list/press/tx28_cuellar/060926.html