Luetkemeyer Votes to Provide Assistance to Farmers, Ranchers During Historic Drought

Statement

With farm families in all 25 counties in the 9th District facing extreme challenges due to severe drought conditions, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) today voted to reauthorize the much-needed disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers that expired last September.

"This disaster assistance is of critical importance to our farm families because it provides emergency assistance to our agricultural communities across the nation who are struggling to deal with near catastrophic drought conditions," Luetkemeyer said. "This is one of the worst droughts Missouri has seen in generations and the future of our food supply is certainly being impacted. Providing farmers and ranchers with the resources they need to get through this difficult time is key to maintaining the stable food supply that benefits all Americans."

While Luetkemeyer was pleased that farmers and ranchers will receive the drought-aid package, he had hoped that Congress would have reached a long-term solution by passing a new farm bill.

"This bill gives Congress time to come to an agreement on a five-year farm bill before it expires at the end of September, while providing farmers and ranchers with the immediate relief they so desperately need," Luetkemeyer said.

Luetkemeyer and 78 Members of Congress recently sent a letter to House leaders urging the passage of a five-year farm bill. Earlier this month, Luetkemeyer also joined the Missouri delegation in asking Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to approve the State of Missouri's request for a disaster declaration in all 114 counties due to the historic drought, a request that was subsequently approved by USDA.

Source