WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2013 – The Senate is expected to begin consideration Monday of legislation (H.R. 152) that would provide the Agriculture Department with $222.4 million for disaster assistance to help states deal with the impacts of Hurricane Sandy.

According to a summary from the House Rules Committee, USDA’s Office of the Secretary would receive $218 million for “emergency conservation and restoration efforts, as well as flood prevention and watershed repairs.

The House approved the language, as part of a larger relief package, on Jan. 15.

Of that funding, $180 million would be dedicated to the Emergency Watershed Protection Program, $23 million would be for the Emergency Forest Restoration Program, and $15 million would be available under the Agriculture Credit Act of 1978.

In addition, the bill would provide $4.4 million to the USDA for “capital improvement and maintenance for necessary expenses related to the consequences of Hurricane Sandy.”

While the Senate will be in session, the House will be out on a district work period.

Another Senate highlight includes a vote, expected on Tuesday, on the confirmation of Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., to serve as Secretary of State.

 

Monday, Jan. 28.

2:00 p.m. The Senate will convene and proceed with a period of morning business.

3:00 p.m. USDA report: Catfish Production

4:30 p.m. The Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.R. 152 (Sandy Relief bill).

 

Tuesday, Jan. 29.

At a time to be determined, the Senate will vote on the confirmation of Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., to be Secretary of State.

USDA reports:
 

3:00 p.m. Peanut Stocks and Processing

3:00 p.m. Vegetables

4:00 p.m. Livestock and Meat Domestic Data

 

Wednesday, Jan. 30

USDA reports:
 

3:00 p.m. Announcement of Class and Component Prices

3:00 p.m. National Dairy Products Sales Report

3:00 p.m. Broiler Hatchery

4:00 p.m. Monthly Milk Cost of Production

 

Thursday, Jan. 31

USDA reports:

8:30 a.m. U.S. Export Sales

3:00 p.m. Egg Products

3:00 p.m. Agricultural Prices

 

Friday, Feb. 1.

USDA reports:
 

3:00 p.m. Sheep and Goats

3:00 p.m. Cattle

3:00 p.m. Peanut Prices

 

#30

For more news, go to: http://www.agri-pulse.com/