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Congresswoman Jenkins Supports Drought Assistance Program

Washington— This afternoon, the House of Representatives will vote on a drought assistance package to provide certainty to those producers who are ineligible for crop insurance. This disaster assistance will reauthorize the programs that expired at the end of 2011, such as the Livestock Indemnity Payments, the Livestock Forage Disaster Programs, and other programs. Although she has fought for and holds that a five-year farm bill would be the best solution, Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins supports this package as necessary to help Kansas producers facing devastating drought conditions.

“The House Agriculture Committee overwhelmingly approved a bipartisan, five-year bill earlier this month which saves $35 billion while making substantial reforms. I have repeatedly asked leadership to bring this bill to the floor so that the 2.2 million farmers and ranchers in this country will have a sustainable, long-term options for their risk management.

“We are now enduring the worst drought we have seen in 50 years, and it is shameful that the bi-partisan farm bill is getting caught up in Washington election year politics.  I will vote for this disaster assistance package because it is the least we can do for our producers during this time of crisis. However, Congress must pass a five-year bill shortly after we return in September.”

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