Statement by Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman  on Emergency Budget
Actions -- March 26, 1999
                                
                                
                                
                                            Release No. 0134.99
                                
Statement
                               by
             Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman 
         on Emergency Budget Actions -- March 26, 1999


     "Today I notified Congress that I have taken two emergency actions to
help meet the urgent credit needs of America's hard pressed farmers and
ranchers.  These actions will enable us to provide essential services in our
local offices through April 16, 1999.  

     "Under 7 USC 2257, I have authorized the transfer of $30 million to the
Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund, enabling USDA to finance an additional
$333 million in loans for farmers.  Failure to provide this assistance to
farmers could threaten their ability to plant crops, service their debt, and
protect their property and their families.  

     "I have also instructed the Farm Service Agency to retain 700 temporary
employees, who help process disaster-related assistance and loan deficiency
payments. 

     "These emergency actions, essential for protecting American farmers,
draw on current funding and thus threaten our ability to operate without
staffing reductions through the end of this fiscal year.  I urge Congress to
pass quickly the President's request for supplemental appropriations in a form
acceptable to the Administration and the American people."  

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