The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association applauded a bipartisan congressional letter addressed to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue urging for relief for American cattle producers amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The letter was lead by the bipartisan effort of Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev) and Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) and Rep Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.).
“America’s cattle producers have been hit hard by the unforeseen financial challenges brought on by this pandemic. We thank each and every lawmaker that showed their continued support to rural families by signing onto this critical letter,” said NCBA President Marty Smith. “We remain hopeful that USDA can quickly deliver this relief to the cattle producers that so desperately need it.”
The Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) provides about $9.5 billion in new appropriations for the USDA to use to assist livestock and specialty crops and $50 billion for the ag sector overall.
Overall, 145 lawmakers in both the U.S. House and Senate signed the letter.
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