Drumbeat Continues for More Farm Assistance

July 19,1999

Democrats are keeping up the drumbeat for as much as $10 billion or more in additional assistance to cash-strapped farmers. Senate Democrats want immediate action. Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) thinks the tab could soar to the $10 billion mark. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) expects to offer his amendment for $6.5 billion when the Senate considers ag appropriations.

They hope to meet with President Clinton this week to get his support for an aid package that still could be debated in the Senate if the appropriations bill is considered before the August recess. In Des Moines, IA, Friday, Clinton said a large number of family farmers could be lost unless they are rescued by an infusion of aid to compensate for low crop prices. He was addressing a fund-raising dinner for Harkin.

For his part, Harkin said rural communities need a "substantial emergency package...urgently. But we can't keep coming back year after year, or even more frequently. We need a farm policy that works. The freedom to farm (law) has failed miserably. We've got to get a price structure that brings some stability and farm income protection."

In an interview with REUTERS, Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) said a relief package "is going to require at least $10 billion in emergency relief." Republicans aren't adverse to an aid package; they just want to wait until fall to see how much financial damage farmers will suffer from the low prices and reduced income.

Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) wants to hold off debate on the agricultural appropriations bill because, says REUTERS, of the intense controversy surrounding regional milk producing compacts.