Chuck Hagel: “I rise in support of drought disaster aid for America's drought-stricken agricultural producers and to support the…”

“I rise in support of drought disaster aid for America's drought-stricken agricultural producers and to support the Cochran amendment to the omnibus appropriations bill. Those of us in drought-stricken States have known for many months that our farmers and ranchers needed assistance. Unfortunately, in a year when 80 percent of U.S. counties were declared a disaster, the House and Senate adjourned last November with neither Chamber having passed 2002 drought aid. There is no doubt that disaster relief is justified. In Nebraska, only the Dust Bowl years of 1934 and 1936 were dryer than what the State experienced last summer. Since autumn, conditions have only worsened throughout much of the Plains, as well as most of the West and Southwest. This has been one of the driest winters in these regions in more than 100 years. Nebraska officials are becoming increasingly concerned about irrigation resources for the upcoming growing season. The water level at Lake McConaughy, Nebraska's largest reservoir, is 60 percent below capacity.”