July 18, 2003

Help Communities Prepare for Droughts
Become an Original Cosponsor of the National Drought Preparedness Act

Dear Colleague:

The 2002 drought affected virtually every State in the country, often with devastating effects. Agricultural producers suffered enormous crop and livestock losses, resource-dependent businesses lost revenue due to decreases in tourism and water supply, and many aging and inadequate water systems in rural areas were stressed far beyond their limits. Additionally, a dry environment throughout much of the West contributed to wildfires that burned more than 7 million acres, damaged hundreds of homes, and led to billions of dollars in emergency assistance and insurance costs. As States and local communities struggle to recover from last year's drought, this year is not going to be any easier. In fact, the Drought Monitor currently indicates that nearly one third of the United States is experiencing "moderate" to "exceptional" drought.

Despite the enormous economic and social impacts that droughts regularly cause, the U.S. lacks a national policy that coordinates and integrates our preparation and response to droughts. Following a Congressional directive, in 2000, the National Drought Policy Commission issued a report indicating the immediate need for a federal drought plan. Furthermore, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City recently noted, "[Drought is a natural and recurring event, [and] rural areas can expect to be hard hit again. The only way to combat drought in the future is through planning and regional cooperation" (emphasis added).

With this in mind, in the 107th Congress, we introduced the National Drought Preparedness Act (H.R. 4754). Our bill enjoyed the bipartisan support of nearly 60 Members and more than 20 Senators. Next week, we will be reintroducing this much-needed legislation and kindly ask for your support. Specifically, our bill accomplishes the following objectives:

• Creates National Policy for Drought - Our bill moves the country away from the costly, ad-hoc, and response-oriented approach to drought, and toward a more pro-active approach focused on preparation and planning. The new national policy will provide the tools and focus for Federal, State, tribal and local governments to address the diverse impacts and costs caused by drought.

• Improving Delivery of Federal Drought Programs - To ensure improved program delivery, integration and leadership, the National Drought Preparedness Act establishes the National Drought Council under the direction of the Secretary of Agriculture. The Council will build on existing programs and provide the coordinating and integrating function for federal drought programs while making recommendations to improve existing federal drought programs.

• New Tools for Drought Preparedness Planning - Building on current water policy, the Drought Council will assist states, local governments, tribes, and other entities in the development and implementation of drought preparedness plans. The bill does not mandate state and local planning, but is intended to facilitate the development and implementation of drought plans through the establishment of a Drought Assistance Fund. Importantly, the bill also preserves state authority over water allocation. 

• Improved Forecasting & Monitoring - The Drought Council will facilitate the development of the National Integrated Drought System in order to improve the characterization of current drought conditions and the forecasting of future droughts, as well as provide a better basis to "trigger" federal drought assistance. 

While communities are still recovering from the 2002 drought, living through this year's drought, and preparing for future ones, it is essential that Congress provide them with the necessary resources to combat these reoccurring natural disasters. If you would like to be an original cosponsor of this bill or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact either of us, David Goldenberg (Rep. Hastings) at 5-1313, or Jason Begger (Rep. Rehberg) at 5-3211.

Sincerely,

s/ Alcee L. Hastings         s/ Denny Rehberg 
Member of Congress         Member of Congress