CONGRESSMAN
COLLIN C. PETERSON
Minnesota
- 7th District http://collinpeterson.house.gov
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 20, 2002
CONTACT: Allison Myhre/218-847-5056 or 218-731-1657
President Bush continues to ignore Minnesota farmers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson today expressed frustration at the Bush Administration’s continued opposition to a complete disaster package while announcing $752 million in livestock disaster aid for drought-affected areas.
“I’m amazed that after months of work by Members of Congress, farmers, and economists to educate the White House and USDA about the need for real disaster relief, they still don’t get it,” Peterson said.
According to Peterson, the recent announcement affects only beef, dairy, and sheep producers in seven drought-impacted states. Minnesota is not eligible.
“Secretary Veneman cannot possibly still be unaware of the huge crop losses nationwide and the particularly hard-hit areas in Northwestern Minnesota. I find it more than a little curious that after saying the money just wasn’t available for disaster aid, that more than a quarter of a billion dollars was found less than 50 days prior to the election.”
Peterson has worked continuously with a bipartisan group of Representatives and Senators for months to build support for a complete disaster package. President Bush opposed the effort when he signed the farm bill into law and Secretary Veneman has repeatedly disputed the need for help. As recently as yesterday, the White House stated it opposition to a Senate disaster plan.
“Farm disaster assistance in recent years has always been designated an emergency and treated as such. I see no reason why the losses these past two years should not be treated the same,” Peterson said.
In spite of the recent news, Peterson remains optimistic that Congress will pass disaster assistance before the end of the session and that the White House will need to sign it.
“The
Senate disaster package passed by the overwhelming majority of 79-16 and support
is growing in the House. In the
end, I believe we will be able to overcome the Administration’s reluctance to
help.”
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