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Bush
Signs Bill Authorizing $5.5 Billion in Economic Assistance; Farmers
to Receive Funds in September (8-14-01)
With
four Texas-based NCGA growers looking on, President Bush yesterday signed
H.R. 2213, providing farmers with $5.5 billion in FY 2001 economic aid.
Bush signed the bill at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, ensuring that
producers will receive the funds in September.
The
aid package includes funds for supplemental AMTA payments in the amount
of $4.622 billion. Corn producers can expect to receive payments of
approximately $.31 per bushel of corn and oilseed payments at about
85 percent of last year's level of payments.
Before
he signed H.R. 2213, Bush said the bill is "a piece of legislation
to provide economic assistance to ag communities across America."
He added: "I'm worried about the fact that the ag economy suffers,
because agriculture is a part of our national security mix. If we can't
grow enough food to feed our people, we've got a problem."
On
hand for the ceremony were Carl Hensz of Harlingen, president of the
Corn Producers Association of Texas; Jean Davis of Waco and Scott Averhoff
of Waxahachie, directors; and Bobbie Baker of Temple.
Last
reviewed August 14, 2001
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