AP: U.S., lawmakers in disaster aid stalemate

[Eugene]

Posted on Wed, Sep. 27, 2006

U.S., lawmakers in disaster aid stalemate
LIBBY QUAID
Associated Press

WASHINGTON - Many of the nation's farm fields have withered under near-
record drought, while others are approaching record yields. That has lawmakers
and the White House in a stalemate over billions of dollars in disaster relief.

"Our farmers deserve help now. This is something that needs to be considered
before Congress leaves town," Rep. Earl Pomeroy, D-N.D., said as lawmakers
rushed toward a week-ending recess for the midterm elections.

-snip-

Farm-state Democrats in the House began trying Tuesday to force a vote on the
issue. But while giving money to farmers tends to be popular in election years,
it's not likely before Congress heads home to campaign for the Nov. 7 balloting.

Standing in the way is the Bush administration, which argues that big chunks
of money would go to farmers who don't need it.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/politics/15618574.htm