AFBF Calls On Congress To Approve Disaster Relief For Farmers Across The Nation

The American Farm Bureau Federation says Congress cannot continue to wait as losses continue to mount for farmers nationwide.  Last week, the Senate rejected two versions of a bill that would send funding to the USDA to help producers devastated by natural disasters last year and this year.  R.J. Karney, AFBF congressional relations director, said humanitarian relief for Puerto Rico remains a sticking point.

“The House of Representatives has passed a supplemental disaster assistance bill. In the Senate, the bill is currently stalled. There’s disagreements amongst Republicans and Democrats with regards to the amount of funding allocation for Puerto Rico.”

The House bill does not include the expanded disaster assistance added by the Senate.  Karney said AFBF supports both the inclusion of funds for disaster recovery in 2018 and 2019 and the efforts to help Puerto Rico with a humanitarian crisis.

Meanwhile, as the debate in D.C. continues, losses in the Midwest are expected to rise.

“Losses total more than $8 billion between the catastrophic weather events that occurred in 2018 and 2019. The flooding in the Midwest, those assessments are still underway, and we expect that total number to increase.”

Karney said lawmakers need to put their differences aside and pass a disaster assistance bill.

“Farm Bureau calls on Congress and the White House to support farmers, ranchers and rural communities that have been impacted by these catastrophic weather events and move past this political impasse. Discussions continue across the chambers and with the White House on a proposal that will be able to pass both the House and Senate and also be signed into law by the President.”

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com