Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Bud Cramer (Ala.-05), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced that the House will consider legislation this evening to provide additional drought relief to farmers in North Alabama and across the nation. 

Specifically, the House will consider the conference agreement for the Fiscal Year 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act. This agreement will provide an additional $600 million to help continue relief efforts for those affected by natural disasters in 2005, 2006, and 2007.

“Most of North Alabama continues to suffer through one of the worst droughts in our history,” said Cramer.  “Unfortunately, this year’s drought comes on the heels of crop losses resulting from hurricanes and a late season freeze. While I am pleased that we are able to extend federal relief efforts, more work must be done to help Alabama farmers.”

Representative Cramer and the entire Alabama delegation have advocated on behalf of Alabama farmers for emergency relief funding since the onset of this year’s drought.  As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Cramer has taken a lead role in providing relief.  Highlights of his continuing efforts include:

• While onboard Air Force One during a trip to North Alabama, Cramer personally asked the President for federal assistance for farmers adversely affected by the continuing drought.
  
• During House debate of the FY 2008 Agriculture Appropriations bill in August, Representative Cramer received assurances from Agriculture Appropriations Chair Rosa DeLauro that the House would work to assist Alabama farmers suffering from drought.
  
• Cramer and the Alabama delegation have urged President Bush, former Agriculture Secretary Johanns, and other federal officials to provide relief for Alabama farmers.

Representative Cramer’s efforts have led to former Secretary Johanns designating the entire State of Alabama as a primary natural disaster area as well as agreeing to expand haying and grazing programs the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for North Alabama farmers. 

Cramer said, “I will continue to point out to my House colleagues and Administration officials the hardships North Alabama farmers are facing.  I will also continue to push for further relief for Alabama farmers.”

After House consideration, the FY 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act must still be approved by the Senate.