John Barrasso

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Senators fix flawed wording, ensure Wyo. producers receive help

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., recently helped correct a major piece of legislation that was on a road to costing Wyoming agriculture producers billions of dollars in much needed assistance.

“This was another one of those unintended consequences that would have had a negative impact on Wyoming residents. I’m pleased we were able to correct the problem in time. I appreciate Senator Thune’s efforts on this and leadership on both sides of the aisle for helping us take care of this quickly. It is important this relief get to those on the ground who need it the most,” said Enzi.

“ Wyoming’s farmers and ranchers have been hit hard these past few years by drought and other disasters,” Barrasso said. “I am pleased that the Senate acted so quickly to ensure our agriculture producers receive the financial aid they so desperately need. I commend Senator Thune for leading the charge on this important issue.”

Enzi and Barrasso co-sponsored a bill that would correct language in a previously passed emergency military supplemental bill, H.R. 2206, that became public law on May 25, 2007. The bill included language requiring forage producers seeking crop disaster and livestock assistance be past participants in a crop insurance pilot program or the Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) during the same year as the sought after assistance. This language essentially excluded the majority of America ’s ranchers that graze livestock because the NAP program is designed for producers who use grasses for haying, not grazing.

Senator John Thune, R-S.D., introduced S. 1716, to amend the language and strike the section of the bill with the flawed wording that didn’t reflect the intent of the Senate. The Senate unanimously passed the bill to fix the error last night.