Pete Domenici: “As the Senate is aware, the Southwestem United States has been devastated by a severe drought which has resulted in…”

“As the Senate is aware, the Southwestem United States has been devastated by a severe drought which has resulted in numerous deleterious effects to that part of the country. New Mexico's neighbor to the east, Texas, has lost 5,000 head of cattle, 5,500 miles of fence, and 4.9 million acres have burned due to recent wildfires. Severe drought also exists in New Mexico, which is currently facing one of its worst droughts in the past 125 years. It is anticipated that great hardship will result in New Mexico as a result of this drought. These conditions require emergency measures be undertaken in both States. Although the Appropriations Committee is silent on the intent of the appropriation to the Emergency Conservation Program, ECP, within the Department of Agriculture, it is my understanding that of the $17 million made available to the ECP in this legislation, $12 million is to be provided to the State of Texas and $5 million is to be provided to the State of New Mexico. The amendment did not originally include ECP funding, so I want to especially thank Senator Hutchison for her leadership in requesting that these funds be included for ECP.”