[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 23034]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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  SENATE RESOLUTION 454--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE THAT THE 
  108TH CONGRESS SHOULD PROVIDE THE NECESSARY FUNDS TO MAKE DISASTER 
    ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR ALL CUSTOMARILY ELIGIBLE AGRICULTURAL 
PRODUCERS AS EMERGENCY SPENDING AND NOT FUNDED BY BUTS TO THE FARM BILL

  Mr. HARKIN (for himself and Mrs. Lincoln) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 454

       Whereas, agriculture has been the cornerstone of every 
     civilization throughout history and remains the driving force 
     behind the nation's economy;
       Whereas, American farmers and ranchers help keep food 
     affordable in this country and also help to feed the world;
       Whereas, America's farmers and ranchers produce the food 
     and fiber that is so vital to our economy while protecting 
     our soil, helping to keep our waters clean, and reducing air 
     pollution across the country;
       Whereas, all sectors of our country rely in some way on a 
     successful, strong and vibrant agriculture industry;
       Whereas, it is the nature of agriculture that farmers and 
     ranchers will suffer production losses because of the 
     vagaries of weather;
       Whereas, Congress has responded to natural disasters by 
     providing assistance to those affected including the nation's 
     farmers and rancher to help restore financial stability in 
     times of such losses; and
       Whereas, Congress has traditionally provided such 
     assistance on an emergency basis without cutting programs to 
     the class of those suffering.
       Resolved, That it is the Sense of the Senate that the 108th 
     Congress should provide the necessary funds to make disaster 
     assistance available for all customarily eligible 
     agricultural producers as emergency spending and not funded 
     by cuts to the farm bill.

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