Harkin will push forward with drought aid bill

Senator Tom Harkin intends to seek federal aid for drought-stricken farmers, despite resistance from President Bush.Harkin and others have repeatedly asked the Bush Administration to use some of their existing authority to help farmers, such as releasing Conservation Reserve Acres so the grassland can be used as hay or grazing ground for livestock. But Harkin says the U-S-D-A has balked, so far.Harkin, who is chairman of the Senate Ag Committee, says a bill that would extend federal disaster aid for drought losses will be drafted.Harkin envisions an aid package that would cover drought losses both this season and last.