Wed July 31 02 -- Work Continues on Drought Relief Assistance

Suggested Lead:

Work continues feverishly in Washington D.C. this week to draft legislation in the Senate that would provide some disaster relief for cattlemen and others in agriculture affected by the drought.  According to Bryan Dierlam, director of legislative affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, it’s not known when the process will be completed.

Cut #1     :29       Outcue: "...get the funding approved."

Dierlam says it was started with policy developed by NCBA members – and reiterated at the Summer Conference with a directive from members to get it accomplished.

Cut #2     :18       Outcue: "...in 01 and 02."

According to Dierlam, it’s taken longer this time to work through the legislative process.

Cut #3     :34       Outcue: "...disaster relief reality."

One of the challenges to the effort has been bridging the country and city gap.

Cut #4     :12       Outcue: "...on a day-to-day basis."

Cattle producers who want to participate in the effort to get both the Senate Legislation – S2800 – and the House Legislation – HR 5310 – passed can contact their senators or representatives through the congressional switchboard… phone number 202/224-3121.