(Amarillo) Congressman Mac Thornberry (TX-13) said he appreciates U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison's efforts to make wildfire recovery assistance available to Texas Panhandle farmers and ranchers.

The Senate Appropriations Committee today approved a supplemental appropriations bill primarily intended to fund the Global War on Terror and hurricane recovery efforts.  An amendment to the bill offered by Hutchison makes funding available to compensate livestock owners for their wildfire related losses and to rehabilitate farm and ranch land damaged in the fires.

"I am very grateful to Senator Hutchison for what she has done on behalf of the wildfire victims.  Once again, she has stepped up for the people of the Texas Panhandle," said Thornberry.

The full Senate is expected to consider the supplemental appropriations bill later this month.

Thornberry said the success of Senator Hutchison's amendment makes him more confident that the bill will include wildfire recovery assistance when the final language is sent to the President.

###