Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement on the administration’s announcement that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will buy up to $170 million worth of meat and fish to assist livestock producers affected by the worst drought in decades.

“The administration’s decision today will help Colorado farmers and ranchers, who are already suffering financial losses due to this summer’s severe drought. It also underscores the need for the House of Representatives to pass the 2012 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill contains a number of provisions that will provide immediate relief as well as tools to help plan for the future.”

In the face of the state’s worst drought in 50 years, Bennet and Senator Mark Udall wrote a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack last month asking for federal assistance for Colorado farmers and ranchers, who are facing severe drought conditions that are threatening crops, livestock and rural livelihoods. Last month, the USDA declared all of Colorado’s counties as disaster areas due to losses caused by drought, excessive heat, and high winds.

Last month, Bennet spoke on the Senate floor to urge the House to take up and pass a full five-year reauthorization of the Farm Bill. He also sent a letter to House leadership, along with Senator Mark Udall, urging passage the bill, which includes vital resources to assist farmers and ranchers suffering from the drought.

For more information on today’s announcement, please visit USDA’s website.