House Passes $383M Drought-Aid Bill

The House passed a $383 million drought-aid package for livestock producers and fruit farmers by a 223–197 vote. The GOP decided to move forward with the measure once it became apparent that longer-term legislation, like a planned $500 million five-year farm bill would fail. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said, “This bill is just another indication of the Republicans doing something that doesn’t meet the needs of our economy.” Meanwhile, the ongoing drought has spread. Over a fifth of the contiguous U.S. is now in “extreme” or “exceptional” drought. It is also the biggest drought since 1956, with more than three fifths of the contiguous U.S. experiencing moderate drought.