Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Loebsack toured farms affected by the drought to speak with farmers about how they have been impacted. After viewing the conditions firsthand, Loebsack called on Speaker John Boehner to call Congress back into session to pass a long-term farm bill. The current farm bill expires on September 30th and the House of Representatives has yet to take action on a measure to provide certainty to farmers and livestock/poultry producers. Loebsack has called on Congress to stay in session multiple times to get critical work done.
"I call on you to immediately bring the House back into session and pass a reformed farm bill that reduces the deficit and also contains disaster relief for farmers and livestock/poultry producers," wrote Loebsack. "I have been walking the rows with farmers since the heat wave and drought began to affect Iowa and now nearly all the counties I represent are experiencing extreme drought.
"Rural communities and small businesses throughout Iowa are heavily dependent on agriculture thriving - everything from coffee shops to manufacturers to equipment dealers. A reformed farm bill that also addresses rural development is critical to the farm economy's prosperity and its contribution to economic recovery."
To view a copy of the letter click here.
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