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News from Rep. Stephanie Herseth
For Immediate Release
Contact: Russ Levsen, 202-226-4449

Herseth Supports New Agriculture Disaster Assistance Bill

April 6, 2006, Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth is an original cosponsor of new bipartisan legislation to provide disaster relief to farmers and ranchers who have experienced weather-related crop losses, loss of livestock and damage to livestock feed supplies. The bill, the Emergency Disaster Assistance Act, was introduced by House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson of Minnesota, and enjoys bipartisan support.

Herseth said, "The natural disasters that South Dakota farmers and ranchers face are not as dramatic as those in other parts of the country, but they are catastrophes none the less. Rural communities across much of South Dakota have suffered from severe drought in recent years as they work to continue to produce a safe and abundant food supply for the country. We need to support our producers as a key part of our national security and, increasingly, our energy policy."

The bill also will 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.

Similar language on agriculture disaster assistance was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Kent Conrad of North Dakota earlier this month and recently was passed in committee as an amendment proposed by Senator Byron Dorgan of North Dakota.

In addition to Mr. Peterson, the bill has attracted 25 original co-sponsors, with 13 Democrats and 13 Republicans signed on in support, including: Representatives Jo Bonner (R-AL), Marion Berry (D-AR), Mike Rogers (R-AL), Mike Ross (D-AR), Mark Foley (R-FL), Earl Pomeroy (D-ND), Terry Everett (R-AL), Allen Boyd (D-FL), Rodney Alexander (R-LA), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Mark Kennedy (R-MN), Charlie Melancon (D-LA), Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO), Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX), Charles Pickering (R-MS), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Charles Boustany (R-LA), David Scott (D-GA), Kenny Hulshof (R-MO), Jim Marshall (D-GA), Bobby Jindal (R-LA), Stephanie Herseth (D-SD), Jon Porter (R-NV), Ike Skelton (D-MO), Richard Baker (R-LA).

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