[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 134 (Wednesday, October 6, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 1906, AGRICULTURE,  RURAL  DEVELOPMENT, FOOD 
 AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2000

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. DAVID L. HOBSON

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 1, 1999

  Mr. HOBSON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
commend the members of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee for 
a job well done on the fiscal year 2000 Agriculture Appropriations Act 
which contained $1.2 billion for disaster assistance.
  As you know, this summer's drought has placed a heavy burden on the 
agricultural industry in several parts of the country. Not only have 
crops been devastated, but the drought has also caused corresponding 
economic loss to livestock and dairy producers. The National 
Association of State Departments of Agriculture has recently estimated 
the natural disaster losses for all affected states to total $3.56 
billion. The State of Ohio alone has suffered losses nearing $600 
million, almost 15 percent of Ohio's largest industry. In my district, 
Pickaway County's estimated crop value for this year's harvest is $39 
million below average. When this disaster is compounded with the 
existing low commodity prices, it puts our farmers in the most dire 
economic situation in recent memory.
  Last week, I communicated with both the leadership and committee 
members to ensure that the final aid package would be augmented to 
provide adequate funding for United States Department of Agriculture 
(USDA) disaster assistance programs such as the Crop Loss Disaster 
Assistance Program, the Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, 
the Livestock Assistance Program, and the Emergency Conservation 
Programs. Thankfully, the Republican Congress was able to pass an 
Agriculture Appropriations bill that included $1.2 billion in much-
needed disaster assistance for our farmers.
  To close, Mr. Speaker, I would again like to commend this Congress 
and especially those who have been instrumental in passing meaningful 
economic assistance to the farming community that serves as the 
foundation of this great Nation.

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