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McCollum Statement on Measure Protecting Sugarbeet Processors in Continuing Resolution

September 20, 2019

U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement after yesterday's passage of a continuing resolution to ensure government funding through November 21, 2019. The continuing resolution included a provision allowing sugarbeet cooperative processors to qualify for disaster assistance funding from the Supplemental aid bill passed in June.

"Sugarbeet cooperatives in the Minnesota River Valley have suffered immensely from disastrous weather conditions, imperiling their businesses, families, employees, and communities" Rep. McCollum said. "At a time when American farmers are already struggling due to President Trump's ongoing trade war, Minnesota sugarbeet growers should not be rejected from receiving disaster assistance simply because of a language technicality in the Supplemental legislation. The continuing resolution passed in the House yesterday rights this wrong for Minnesota's sugarbeet cooperatives and will allow them to receive assistance – and hope – that their businesses will be able to recover from this disaster and achieve economic success in the years to come."

Background:

  • H.R.2157, the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, was passed in June of 2019 to provide aid in response to multiple natural disasters across the country, including excessive rains in the Minnesota River Valley. These excessive rains caused devastating damage to Minnesota sugarbeet crops. However, because sugarbeet producers are categorized as "processors," many of those affected were unable to receive disaster aid funding.
  • H.R. 4378, a seven-week continuing resolution passed by the House yesterday, includes a fix to this problem by updating the language to include cooperative processors, allowing them to be eligible for the disaster aid funding from the Supplemental aid bill.

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