timber

Disaster-Relief Aid Finally Passes in the House

Dan Economy

The U.S. House finally followed the Senate’s lead and approved the $19.1 billion disaster-relief package late Monday. The measure is designed to help ag producers impacted by natural disasters over the last three years, including those in the Southeast affected by Hurricane Michael this past October. The 354-58 vote came after the House returned from its Memorial Day holiday recess …

Crop damage

Congress Once Again Taking Up Disaster Aid

Dan Economy, Industry News Release

The U.S. House is set to work on a disaster aid bill that includes financial help for Midwestern and Southern Farmers. The Hagstrom Report says House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer made the announcement last week as the House adjourned until Tuesday. Hoyer says the House will consider H.R. 2157, which is the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2019. “The legislation would …

farm groups

Farm Groups Calling for Disaster Relief

Dan Economy, Industry News Release, Legislative

Farm groups and ag lenders are pressing Congress to put aside politics and pass urgently needed disaster relief. Politics has already sidelined $13 billion, including $5 billion for ag disaster aid, in a failed Senate procedural vote this month. Now, 135 farm groups and lenders are calling on the president and lawmakers to stop the politics and help their farmers …

natural disaster

States Suffering from Lack of Action on Disaster Aid

Dan Economy

Late last week, U.S. Senators from the Southeast joined Senate colleagues, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell from Kentucky, in expressing disappointment in Congress’ failure to deliver critical disaster aid to their states to assist in recovery efforts from natural disasters in 2018 and 2019. It has now been over six months since parts of Alabama, Florida and Georgia were …

natural disaster

Disaster Aid Uncertain in Congress

Dan Economy, Industry News Release

Disaster aid for states hit by flooding is more uncertain as Congress nears recess and ag lawmakers seem at odds over what producers need. Politico reports negotiations to pass a disaster relief package have collapsed just as another storm hits the Midwest and Great Plains, prompting blizzard warnings from Colorado to Minnesota. Midwest Senators are pushing for a disaster bill …

additional funds

Lawmakers Seek to Change Livestock Disaster Aid

Dan Cattle, Industry News Release, Legislative, Livestock

Two bills introduced in Congress seek to make changes to livestock programs, specifically changing the way help to ranchers is administered during a disaster. The legislation includes four bills to make changes to the Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency’s Livestock Indemnity Program and Emergency Conservation Program. Republican Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas introduced the legislation in the Senate, while …