VICTORIA, TX -- Shane Sklar, Democratic candidate for Congress (TX-14), today announced his support for legislation that would provide comprehensive disaster relief to America's farmers and ranchers.  Sklar called on the Texas Congressional delegation to sign a discharge petition that would bring this proposal, H.R. 5099, to the floor of the House for an up-or-down vote as soon as a majority of members of Congress sign. With House plans to adjourn on Friday looming, the need provide for relief now is especially urgent.  

"This year's record-setting natural disasters have hit American farmers and ranchers hard and decimated crops and livestock," said Sklar. "Democrats in Congress have fought unsuccessfully for more than a year to increase disaster assistance, and rural families in the 14th Congressional District are still waiting. With this petition, I hope Congress can put politics aside and get this long overdue relief to the farmers and ranchers who make such an important contribution to our communities."  

In 2005, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) declared 80 percent of all U.S. counties primary or contiguous disaster areas.  70 percent of counties have already been declared disaster areas in 2006.  This effort would provide emergency production loss and economic loss assistance for crops and livestock in 2005 and 2006.  This legislation is comprehensive and national in scope, covering eligible losses from hurricanes, drought, flood, fire, disease and other weather-related causes.  

"I am proud to stand with the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Farmers Union, and more than 30 other farm organizations in supporting this critical disaster relief legislation," said Sklar. "Farmers and ranchers in Texas cannot wait until after the election. Our delegation must act today."  

A fourth-generation rancher, Sklar is the co-owner of Sklar & Son Cattle and the former executive director the Independent Cattlemen's Association of Texas.  When elected, Sklar will be the only member of the Texas Congressional delegation who makes his or her living from production agriculture.