On Tuesday, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) voted to pass a measure that supports Iowa farmers and producers affected by last year’s derecho, extends government funding to avoid a government shutdown, and ensures the U.S. does not default on its debt.
The legislation passed by the House today includes $10 billion to cover damage to crops caused by the 2020 derecho and other disasters from 2020 and 2021.
In July, Axne and the House Agriculture Committee advanced legislation to cover those agricultural losses through the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+).
“Iowans have been resilient in rebuilding after that terrible day – and I’ve been working in Washington ever since to ensure that our federal disaster programs are in place to make our communities, families, and farmers whole again,” said Rep. Axne. “This funding is long overdue, and I hope my Senate colleagues follow suit and approve this measure as soon as possible.”
Axne was also part of a bipartisan group of lawmakers that in April urged House leadership to support farmers and producers affected by 2020 natural disasters.
The bill advanced to the Senate today also includes an extension of government funding through December 3rd, 2021, which would prevent a government shutdown at the end of this month, as well as language to ensure the U.S. does not default on debts it has already incurred.
“This is my seventh continuing resolution in less than three years. And on top of that, we are once again at the brink of a default on U.S. debt because too many in Washington would rather play games than do the basic duties of Congress: funding the government, and ensuring that the U.S. pays its bills,” said Rep. Axne. “For decades, avoiding a default on America’s debt obligations has been done with bipartisan support. And we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that inaction on the debt ceiling puts our economy and the savings of millions of Americans at risk for choices made by those who came before us. Also, triggering a government shutdown would hinder our response to COVID-19 and stifle the economic recovery that we’ve worked so hard to spur. While I continue to believe that we are too often finding ourselves on these financial cliffs, the alternative would be a catastrophe for the families that I represent and our entire country.”
