Brady's $5 Billion Emergency
Farm Relief Act Passes House
Bill provides $6.6 million boost to local farmers

Washington, D.C. - - U.S. Representative Kevin Brady today urged President Clinton to support the Emergency Farm Financial Relief Act passed Monday by the U.S. House of Representatives. Brady is an original co-sponsor of the bill which provides $5.5 billion in much-needed relief to American farmers hit hard by this year's record drought.

"The drought is close to becoming the worst natural disaster in Texas history, harming farm families and communities," stated Brady. "For farmers trying to survive until next harvest the timely relief provided in this bill could be a real help, getting money to them sooner rather than later."

The legislation -- which dwarfs President Clinton's $500 million disaster relief package -- gives farmers the option of receiving all their 1999 Agriculture Market Transition Act (AMTA) contract payments this October rather than in two payments next year.

"Essentially, this plan will provide farm families with an immediate, one year interest-free cash loan without tons of unnecessary paperwork," said Brady. "Each eligible farmer would make the choice based on their unique needs."

All six counties in the Eighth Congressional District - Washington, Harris, Brazos, Austin, Waller, and Montgomery - have been declared disaster areas by Governor George W. Bush. An estimated $6.6 million in relief could be accessed this fall by local farmers in the Eighth District.

Rep. Bob Smith, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, stated, "Representative Brady's work has been essential to the passage of this vital legislation. Many American farmers are facing financial ruin. While we prepare for the future by opening global markets to our producers, we can't ignore the present difficulties in the agricultural community."

According to an economist at Texas A&M University, the 1997 drought will eliminate 40,000 Texas jobs - the equivalent of every man, woman, and child in Texas City, Texas.