(Washington, DC): -- Congressman Michael R. McNulty (D-Green Island) today announced his support for legislation to provide America’s farmers and ranchers -- particularly growers and producers in the Capital Region -- with urgently-needed agriculture disaster relief. McNulty signed a discharge petition that would bring H.R. 5099, the Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2006, to the floor of the House for a fair up-or-down vote before Congress adjourns this week. He released the following statement:

“Growers, producers, and dairy farmers in my district have been devastated by a 'perfect storm' of low prices, high fuel costs, and weather-related disasters. Being forced out of business and into selling the farm is no longer a worst-case scenario -- it is a reality for many multi-generational family farms in our region and across our state.

“I am proud to stand with the New York Farm Bureau, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Farmers Union, and over 30 other farm organizations in supporting this legislation.

"Excessive rains, severe flooding, extreme temperatures, drought, hail, and high winds have disrupted and strained the normal growing and harvesting of corn, apples, and many other crops that our local farmers produce. Poor weather has also ruined feed and forage necessary for our livestock and dairy industry.

"This 'perfect storm' has had a devastating impact not only on producers and growers, but also on their families and their communities. The economic consequences spread quickly throughout these small rural areas, affecting banks, equipment dealers, grocery stores, and other farm-supporting businesses.

"H.R. 5099 would provide emergency production loss and economic loss assistance for crops and livestock in 2005 and 2006. Congress must debate legislation that is comprehensive and national in scope, covering eligible losses from hurricanes, drought, flood, fire, disease, and other weather-related causes.

"For more than a year, Democrats have fought to pass this crucial legislation. Farmers in Albany, Fulton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Schoharie Counties cannot wait for help until after the election. They need it now.

“Unfortunately, the majority party in Congress has repeatedly blocked Democratic efforts to increase disaster assistance. By signing this discharge petition, I hope to help persuade Republicans to put politics aside and join us in providing farmers and ranchers with the long overdue help they so desperately need -- before Congress adjourns at the end of the week."

McNulty also noted that every county in upstate New York, including each of the seven counties in the 21st Congressional district, is currently declared a primary or contiguous disaster area by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In 2005, 80 percent of all U.S. counties were declared primary or contiguous disaster areas by USDA, while 70 percent of counties nationwide have already been declared disaster areas for 2006.

# # #