Congressional Decision on Disaster – a Disaster

GREAT FALLS, MT (October 3, 2006) – Montana Farmers Union today released the following statement by MFU President Brooks Dailey regarding the failure of Congress to support agricultural disaster assistance.

“Farmers and ranchers across Montana and the United States have experienced significant weather related disaster the last two years, yet Congress recently adjourned to campaign for fall elections without taking any action to support agriculture producers in need.

“A broad group of organizations have been working on the national level to secure disaster assistance for more than a year and asked, specifically, for a vote prior to the fall elections. When there was no movement on this effort, a larger group last week urged House members to sign a Disaster Discharge Petition to circumvent the normal process and bring a bill directly to the House floor.

“Montana Farmers Union is disappointed that Congressman Rehberg had the opportunity to help bring disaster assistance to a vote in the House, but declined to support the discharge petition that would have allowed a vote of the House.

“His decision not only hurt individual Montana producers, but with agriculture being the largest component of the Montana economy, his decision also directly impacts the entire state’s economy.

“Montana Farmers Union will continue to support disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers who have suffered natural disaster losses.”

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