Simpson Leads Bipartisan Effort Seeking Disaster Funds for Farmers and Ranchers

Simpson Leads Bipartisan Effort Seeking Disaster Funds for Farmers and Ranchers

Washington, D.C. - In a letter to the House Appropriations Committee, Idaho Congressmen Mike Simpson (R-ID), Greg Walden (R-OR), and Sanford Bishop (D-GA) led the effort to ask Chairman David Obey (D-WN) to approve a variety of disaster assistance measures to assist states impacted by the devastating drought and catastrophic wildfires. The coalition includes more than 40 members of Congress from both sides of the aisle and they are seeking the assistance through upcoming disaster supplemental legislation expected before Congress in the near future.

"As Congress looks to assist Americans impacted by floods, drought, fire, and other natural disasters, it must not forget the incredible toll these conditions had on our citizens," said Simpson. "Idaho was ground zero this year for drought and wildfires and experienced some of the worst fire conditions in decades, including our nation's largest wildfire in Southwestern Idaho. Now is an appropriate time for Congress and the federal government to step forward and help our State's citizens deal with the aftermath of this year's disasters."

Among the provisions the Bipartisan Coalition is requesting in the disaster supplemental legislation are the following:
· Extension of the Crop Disaster Program to cover losses of any crop planted prior to December 31, 2007. Current law only covers crops planted prior to February 28, 2007.
· Extension of the Livestock Compensation Program and the Livestock Indemnity Program to cover losses that occurred prior to December 31, 2007. Current law only covers losses prior to February 28, 2007. The Livestock Compensation Program assists ranchers in purchasing feed for livestock during extreme drought conditions. The Livestock Indemnity Program provides compensation for livestock losses from a variety of conditions - including wildfire.

"These deadlines leave many agriculture producerswho have experienced economic losses during this turbulent year without an adequate safety net," said Simpson. "Extending these dates will allow the USDA to effectively and efficiently administer disaster aid to those farmers and ranchers who have endured natural disasters since the February cut-off date."

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