Merkley: Drought Relief Headed to Southern Oregon

Washington, D.C. – This evening, the U.S. House of Representatives approved an emergency supplemental spending bill that includes $10 million in drought relief for farmers and ranchers in the Klamath Basin.  The bill passed the Senate earlier and will now go to the President for his signature.  Senator Merkley released the following statement following the vote:

“Mother Nature delivered a cruel blow to the Klamath Basin this year.   I’m pleased that finally, after too many months, Congress is able to help.  While financial assistance is a poor replacement for water, this money will help families that rely on the land for their livelihood remain solvent.  Throughout my conversations with the folks in the Klamath Basin, I have been continually impressed with the way they have pulled together.   I will keep fighting to help these communities deal with the drought and recover for next season.”