HELPING THE DAIRY FARMER

October 16, 2009


Dear Friend,

Last week Congress passed the 2010 Agriculture Appropriations Act, with bipartisan support in both chambers (263 to 162 in the House and 76 to 22 in the Senate). This legislation provides for $350 million in funding for dairy relief, giving aid to thousands of farmers nationwide who are struggling with historically low prices.

Though I was unable to be present for this vote because I was serving on active duty in the Navy Reserve, I voted for the earlier House version of the bill in July.

I am particularly concerned about the plight of our family dairy farmers. As a member of the bipartisan Dairy Farmers Caucus, I am committed to working to address the problem of falling milk prices and providing support for our nation's struggling dairy farmers. While the emergency funding in the Agriculture Appropriations bill will not solve the long-term problems the industry faces, it will provide much-needed temporary support to our local farmers.

Under the bill, $290 million will be used to provide direct support to dairy farmers using guidelines to be determined by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsak under and expedited process. Another $60 million would be used to purchase cheese and other dairy products for food banks and nutrition programs, spurring prices for raw dairy products by drawing down supplies of the commodity.

The Agriculture Appropriations Act also protects consumers by giving the agency that regulates our commodities markets like energy and food, the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the staff resources it needs to do its job. This additional oversight will help protect the American people from needless spikes in the cost of basic necessities. The Act also maintains fiscal responsibility by cutting millions of dollars from programs that are not working. The bill has been sent to the President and is expected to be signed into law.

If you need additional information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my Clarks Summit office toll free at 866-846-8124. Thank you, and have a wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,

Christopher P. Carney