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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Marion Berry (D-AR, 1st) continued his fight last night for the agriculture community in Arkansas by introducing an amendment during a House Appropriations Committee hearing that would give farmers disaster assistance for the 2005 crop year. Despite broad support from Democratic colleagues, Republican leaders refused to attach the measure to the $92.2 billion supplemental for war operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and storm relief in the Gulf Coast.
"This country will be in a great deal of trouble if we continue to ignore the economic depression facing our farm communities," said Congressman Berry. "I have warned my colleagues over and over again about the dire conditions in rural America and hope some of them will keep those warnings in mind as we prepare the budget for the coming year."
Congressman Berry's amendment was similar to legislation he introduced last September to help farmers overcome significant losses in the 2005 crop year. The measure would appropriate $3.4 billion to offer farmers either an additional 50% Farm Bill payment or payment based on yield loss. The amendment would also provide additional funding for livestock assistance, specialty crop assistance, and Louisiana sugarcane assistance. Republican leaders rejected the amendment by a vote of 34 to 27. Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) was the only Republican on the House Appropriations Committee to vote for the amendment.
Farmers and ranchers across America suffered heavy crop and livestock losses from natural disasters including hurricanes, fires, floods and severe drought as well as record input costs for diesel fuel, natural gas, and fertilizer. USDA has designated roughly 80% of the nation’s counties as disaster or contiguous disaster areas due to devastating hurricanes, fires, floods and severe drought. States like Arkansas, Texas, Illinois, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, and Oklahoma have experienced USDA disaster declarations for 100% of their counties.
"While we need to do everything possible to help the citizens of the Gulf Coast, we must recognize the widespread impact of these natural disasters," said Congressman Berry. "If we do not address this situation today, the long-term cost to our rural communities will be unbearable. I believe history will prove it was a mistake for Congress not to pass this amendment when it had the chance."
Congressman Berry has been a member of the House Appropriations Committee since 2003. He sits on the Subcommittees for Homeland Security and Energy and Water. |
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