News Releases for September 2002
September 24, 2002
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Hoeven: Livestock Compensation Program Helps - Disaster Bill Still Necessary
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today said the Livestock Compensation Program announced last week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture was an important step in assisting our ranchers and farmers, but that a disaster bill will be necessary to help producers struck by drought and flooding this summer. Hoeven pushed for the bill last week in meetings with senior White House officials and key members of Congress in Washington, D.C.
“We worked hard to get the Livestock Compensation Program, and $750 million will help, but we have farmers in our state who are still in bad shape owing to drought and flooding,” Hoeven said. “Crop insurance typically covers only 65 percent of crop losses.”
Hoeven said Congress is working to meet two criteria for a disaster package: find a way to fund a disaster bill that uses the savings from the new farm bill, estimated to be about $5 billion dollars; and meet the President’s budget guidelines. The U.S. Senate two weeks ago agreed to an amendment that would assist farmers with crop losses, but that bill has not yet passed the Senate.
“Congress has been stalled on disaster legislation, but if they pass disaster assistance, I believe the President will sign it,” Hoeven said. “I intend to keep pushing to get our farmers the assistance they require.”
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