News Releases for January 2003
January 20, 2003
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Hoeven Presses For Targeted Disaster Aid
Pushes For Aid To Farmers And Ranchers Most In Need
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven last week urged key Senators, the chairman of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee and the White House to target the $3.1 billion disaster aid package Congress has attached to an omnibus appropriations bill to farmers and ranchers who need it the most.
The original version of the amendment proposed giving all farmers 42 percent of their existing farm bill direct payment. Hoeven, meeting with Montana Senator Conrad Burns, House Agriculture Committee Chair Bob Goodlatte, and Bush Administration Officials Chuck Conner and Dale Moore, urged an amendment that would devote the money just to farmers affected by flood, drought and other natural disasters. Senate leadership has been meeting on the option of providing about 85 percent of the direct payment to farmers most in need. Hoeven also stressed the need to provide relief to ranchers feeling the impact of disasters.
"Even within our own state drought and flooding have devastated some producers, while producers in other counties have had a relatively good year," Hoeven said. "It only makes sense that we target relief to those who in fact suffered losses, and that we get it to them soon."
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