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

HERSETH: DROUGHT PACKAGE FALLS SHORT

August 29, 2006, Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth today welcomed Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns to South Dakota for a drought tour of the Kirkpatrick Ranch near Hayes. Unfortunately, following the tour, Secretary Johanns announced a drought relief package that is woefully insufficient for producers struggling with the drought.

Herseth said, "I am very disappointed. This package does not adequately reflect the severity of the drought. I'm glad that the Secretary took the time to see the devastation firsthand, but this package does not do enough to help producers who are suffering through one of the worst droughts in a generation. This is a major natural disaster that requires significant relief."

Herseth continued, "I hope this visit by the Agriculture Secretary is a small first step towards a better appreciation of the severity of the drought from the administration. House Republican leadership and the White House need to step up their support for the disaster relief package found in the Senate Ag Appropriations Bill. We have many pressing needs abroad, but we also have an obligation to take care of farm and ranch families here at home."

Herseth noted that the package does very little to help livestock and grain producers in the Great Plains. She said, "This package ignores South Dakota corn, soybean and wheat producers and will do very little to assist hard-hit cattle producers."

On July 28, 2006, Herseth wrote a letter to Agriculture Secretary Johanns, describing the worsening drought conditions in South Dakota and inviting him to come to the state and tour affected areas. Herseth has also contacted House Speaker Dennis Hastert and Majority Leader John Boehner, explaining the severity of the drought in our part of the country and urging them to schedule time on the floor to consider drought relief as soon as Congress reconvenes in September.

Herseth joined Senator Tim Johnson, Governor Mike Rounds, and several state agriculture officials for the tour this afternoon.

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