Feenstra Introduces Amendment On Derecho Relief For Iowa Farmers

Tuesday, The House Ag Committee focused on the  proposed $16 billion dollar ag reconciliation bill.

In an effort to improve the bill, Iowa’s 4th District Congressman Randy Feenstra  introduced amendments that were considered during Tuesday’s hearing. Including an amendment  to authorize the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus, to include those in need of assistance from last summer’s massive derecho storm, which exacerbated the challenges Iowa farmers are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The House Agriculture Committee adopted Feenstra’s amendment.

Feenstra said “My amendment will provide much-needed and timely relief for hardworking farmers affected by last summer’s derecho. I’m proud the House Agriculture Committee passed my amendment, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on this committee moving forward to deliver more results for our agriculture community.”

 Feenstra’s amendment would add a provision to make assistance available to producers who suffered disaster losses in 2020, including losses due to the derecho that devastated a large part of Iowa. The provision would provide payments to producers who suffered damages as a result of the derecho through the USDA’s Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program (WHIP).