Rep. Conaway Lauds Hurricane, Wildfire Relief for U.S. Farmers, Ranchers

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9 -- Rep. K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, issued the following statement after the House approved disaster relief for the U.S. farmers and ranchers:

"President Trump called on Congress to enact hurricane, wildfire and natural disaster relief for millions of Americans still working to put their lives back together after last year's record-breaking losses. Today, Congress answered the president's call.

"The congressional delegations from the two hardest hit states of Texas and Florida worked particularly hard to develop a package that provides help where it is needed most. The relief includes vital improvements to standing disaster programs and addresses significant gaps in the safety net for cotton and dairy farmers.

"From natural disasters to predatory trade practices, America's farm and ranch families face unique and daunting challenges every day. We have more work to do on their behalf in the farm bill, but today was an important step forward."