The House : Farm Aid

Emergency financial aid to tens of thousands of American farmers, many of whom say they will go bankrupt if not immediately bailed out of credit problems by their fellow taxpayers, has been approved by the House on a vote of 318 for and 103 against.

President Reagan has threatened to veto the bill as a budget buster. The Administration says it will cost at least $1.6 billion over the next two years. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the cost at $455 million over five years.

The bill (HR 1035) provides an additional $3 billion in loan guarantees to farmers who need the federal backing to continue borrowing. Also, it permits farmers to get half of their price-support loans on this year’s crop, up to $50,000, before spring planting.

Among other provisions, the bill induces banks to offer lower interest rates on federally guaranteed loans, and makes it easier for farmers in certain areas to obtain low-interest Farmers Home Administration disaster loans.

Supporter Thomas Coleman, a Missouri Republican, said “this is not just a farm bill,” because “almost 23 million people in this country depend for their job directly or indirectly on agribusiness and agriculture.”

Ohio Republican Delbert Latta, who opposed the legislation, said the bill would worsen the federal deficit, thus contributing to the high interest rates and strong dollar that have injured farm exports.

Members voting yes favored the bill.

How They Voted Yea Nay Did not vote Rep. Dreier (R) x Rep. Martinez (D) x Rep. Moorhead (R) x Rep. Roybal (D) x Rep. Torres (D) x

Help for Africa

Legislation (HR 1096) authorizing $175 million in emergency, non-food aid to African nations beset by famine has been passed by the House on a vote of 391-25 and sent to the Senate a bill.

In part, the fiscal 1985 outlay would fund programs to upgrade health care and to monitor the distribution of emergency food supplies to starving Africans. Food aid is being provided in separate legislation.

“This is not just an African crisis,” said Michigan Democrat Howard Wolpe, who sponsored the measure. He added, “It is a human crisis encompassing us all.”

No opponent spoke during floor debate.

How They Voted Yea Nay Did not vote Rep. Dreier (R) x Rep. Martinez (D) x Rep. Moorhead (R) x Rep. Roybal (D) x Rep. Torres (D) x

Where to Reach Them

David Dreier, 33rd District

112 N. 2nd Ave., Covina 91723 (818) 339-9078

Matthew Martinez, 30th District 1712 W. Beverly Blvd., Suite 201, Montebello 90640 (213) 722-7731

Carlos J. Moorhead, 22th District 420 N. Brand Blvd., Room 304, Glendale 91203 (818) 247-8445

Edward R. Roybal, 25th District 300 N. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles 90012 (213) 688-4870

Esteban (Ed) Torres, 34th District 1400 West Covina Parkway, Suite 210, West Covina 91790 (818) 814-1557