IV
105TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION
H. RES. 493
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary
of Agriculture should provide timely assistance to Texas farmers and
livestock producers who are experiencing worsening drought conditions.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
JUNE 24, 1998
Mr. THORNBERRY submitted the following resolution; which was referred to
the Committee on Agriculture
RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that
the Secretary of Agriculture should provide timely assist-
ance to Texas farmers and livestock producers who are
experiencing worsening drought conditions.
Whereas drought conditions continue throughout the State of
Texas, and the National Weather Service has reported
that all 10 climatic regions in Texas have received below
average rainfall from March through May, a critical time
in the production of corn, cotton, sorghum, wheat, and
forage crops in Texas;
Whereas the statewide economic impact of the drought on
Texas agriculture could be more than $1,700,000,000 in
losses, according to the Texas Agricultural Extension
Service;
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Whereas the direct loss of income to agricultural producers
in Texas is $517,000,000, which will lead to a loss of an-
other $1,200,000,000 in economic activity for the state;
Whereas the total losses for Texas cotton producers have al-
ready reached an estimated $157,000,000;
Whereas, as of May 31, 1998, the condition of nearly half of
the rangeland in Texas was rated as poor or very poor
as a result of the lack of rain;
Whereas the value of lost hay production in Texas will ap-
proach an estimated $175,000,000 statewide, leading to
an economic impact of $582,000,000;
Whereas dryland fruit and vegetable production losses in
East Texas have already been estimated at $33,000,000;
Whereas the early rains in many parts of Texas produced a
large quantity of forage that, because of the subsequent
drought conditions, is now extremely dry and a dan-
gerous source of fuel for wildfires; and
Whereas the Texas Forest Service has indicated that over
half of the State is in extreme or high danger of wildfires
due to the drought conditions: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Rep-
resentatives that, with regard to the drought conditions
in the State of Texas, the Secretary of Agriculture
should—
(1) streamline the drought declaration process
to provide relief to Texas farmers and livestock pro-
ducers as quickly as possible;
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(2) ensure that Farm Service Agency offices in
Texas are equipped with full-time and emergency
personnel in drought-stricken areas to assist produc-
ers with disaster loan application packages;
(3) instruct the United States Forest Service to
assist the State of Texas and the Federal Emer-
gency Management Agency in prepositioning fire
fighting equipment and other appropriate resources
in affected Texas counties;
(4) authorize haying and grazing on acreage en-
rolled in the conservation reserve program; and
(5) convene experts within the Department of
Agriculture to develop and implement an emergency
plan to help prevent wildfires and to overcome the
adverse economic impact of the continuing drought
so the Department of Agriculture can provide assist-
ance in a rapid and efficient manner for producers
who are suffering from drought conditions.
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