Ag Chief: More Money for Farmers Because of Drought

Farms need even more than what the U.S. government is offering, Tom Vilsack said

Federal officials are using their limited options to help farmers facing widespread drought conditions, but they need Congress to pass legislation to provide better disaster relief, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Friday.

The House passed legislation Thursday to revive disaster relief programs for cattle and sheep producers affected by drought before lawmakers left for a five-week recess, but the Senate didn't act on the bill.

Vilsack is pushing for more, saying passage of a comprehensive five-year farm policy bill would have a deeper, longer-lasting effect.