In letters sent to Speaker Denny Hastert, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, and the chairmen of the agriculture appropriations subcommittees, Grassley said prompt action is critical.
"Today is the day when farmers and landlords must give official notice as to whether they will be continuing or ending their agreements for next year. Some are calling September 1st ?Black Wednesday.' It is very important that the conference committee be assigned so it can begin negotiating the agriculture appropriations bill and reinforce the positive signal sent to farmers when the Senate approved the $7.4 billion in emergency payments on August 4. This money can be in farmers' pockets ten days after President Clinton signs the bill," Grassley said.
Iowa's senior senator also expressed his frustration that the President has not taken action to help farmers during the last month. In July, Grassley appealed to Clinton to use his presidential authority to increase the cash price of corn 25 cents per bushel. Grassley said that the President could direct the Environmental Protection Agency to take actions that would result in expanded ethanol use nationwide.
"Farmers need President Clinton's immediate support. He has the authority to do a lot of good, but there's no sign that he's going to use it," Grassley said.