Obama Pledges All-out Response to Drought

President Barack Obama speaks at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Tuesday, July 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

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By Belinda Yeung

Story Created: Aug 11, 2012 at 5:42 AM CDT

Story Updated: Aug 11, 2012 at 5:42 AM CDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is pledging a wide-ranging response to the worst drought in a quarter-century.

In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama says his administration is giving farmers and ranchers access to low-interest emergency loans, is opening more federal land for grazing and is distributing $30 million to get water to livestock.

Obama says Congress needs to pass a farm bill to ensure a long-term solution.

Lawmakers have asked Obama to relax ethanol production targets, citing low corn supplies and spiking prices. An Obama spokesman says officials are keeping a close eye on corn yields but have made no decision.

In the Republican address, Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi says Obama should work with Congress to avoid $110 billion in automatic spending cuts required by a deficit-cutting plan.

Next Article Severe Storms Move Through Eastern Iowa, Thousands Lose Power

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