FARMERS DESERVE A SENATOR WHO WILL FIGHT TO GET THEM MUCH NEEDED DISASTER RELIEF
09/30/2006
Congressman Collin Peterson is Pushing for Action on Emergency Ag Disaster Relief Bill Ready for Vote, Kennedy Refusing to Cooperate
U.S. Senate candidate and County Attorney Amy Klobuchar today called on Mark Kennedy to join Minnesota Congressman Collin Peterson and other Midwest Representatives in their effort to pass an emergency agriculture disaster relief bill before Congress adjourns tonight. Peterson, the ranking Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, is leading the charge to get an immediate action on bipartisan legislation that would provide disaster assistance to Minnesota farmers for crop and livestock losses resulting from natural disasters.
“Mark Kennedy must stop taking his cues from Republican leaders in Washington and start listening to farmers here in Minnesota,” said Klobuchar. “Minnesota’s farmers faced record flooding last year, record drought this year, and have dealt with skyrocketing energy prices. Our state needs Congressman Kennedy’s help, and they need it today. This issue cannot wait.”
Peterson is gathering votes tonight for a discharge petition, House Resolution 998, that would force the House to consider the bill—notwithstanding the Bush administration’s and Republican leadership’s efforts to bury it. So far, Kennedy has refused to sign, and has refused to explain why.
“Disaster assistance is not a partisan issue, but we are dealing with a President and House Republican Leadership who are standing in the way of this needed relief for our agricultural producers,” said Peterson. “We are looking for opportunities to work with our Republican friends, many of whom are dealing with disasters in their home districts, to find a solution that will help our disaster-stricken communities.”
A coalition of more than 30 pro-agriculture organizations endorse the petition, including the National Farmers Union, American Farm Bureau Federation, Independent Community Bankers of America. If the House does not vote on the legislation before adjourning later today, farmers will see no relief before the November elections.