Congressman Henry Cuellar Co-Sponsors New Agriculture Disaster Assistance Legislation

CONGRESSMAN HENRY CUELLAR CO-SPONSORS NEW AGRICULTURE DISASTER ASSISTANCE LEGISLATION

Washington, DC- Congressman Henry Cuellar today announced new bipartisan legislation to provide disaster assistance to farmers and ranchers who have experienced weather-related crop losses, loss of livestock and damage to livestock feed supplies.
Cuellar is one of the bill's original co-sponsors.

"Agricultural disasters do not respect political party lines, and I am proud to join with my friends in Congress to ensure this vital assistance is made available to Texas farmers and ranchers as quickly as possible," Cuellar said.

The Emergency Disaster Assistance Act of 2006 will also assist farmers who were overwhelmed by energy prices that spiked following last year's hurricanes. Energy-related farm expenses increased by more than $6 billion last year compared to the previous year, which reduced farm income.

"I am pleased that rising energy costs are addressed in this legislation so that farmers and ranchers who have struggled with lost income due to the drought are not placed in additional jeopardy by record fuel and fertilizer prices. Farmers and ranchers have waited long enough. They need this assistance now," Cuellar said.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/tx28_cuellar/060406.html