Washington, D.C. -— U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) today announced that the U.S. House Agriculture Committee will hold a hearing on Thursday, October 25, 2007, 10:00 a.m., to examine the effects of the drought in North Carolina.
Etheridge requested the hearing as part of his efforts to secure federal disaster assistance payments for N.C. farmers. N.C. Governor Mike Easley is scheduled to testify at Etheridge’s invitation.
“Without assistance, the drought threatens to affect not only farmers but all of North Carolina’s rural economy. Congress must step in to ensure that farmers receive assistance so that they may continue to provide our nation’s families with a safe and abundant food supply. I thank Chairman Peterson for holding this hearing to draw attention to the urgency of this disaster,” said Etheridge.
The hearing will be broadcast live at here.