Dateline: November 22, 2001

Bill funds boll weevil battle 

Boll weevils, reeling from the effective eradication program Texas farmers have been waging in the nation’s largest cotton state, have new reason to fear.  The US Senate passed HR 2330, the Agriculture Appropriations Act which includes $25 million for boll weevil eradication efforts in Texas.

“Texas cotton growers have led the fight against the boll weevil,” Sen. Phil Gramm said. “Now they will have the tools to finish off this pest.”

In an effort to assist farmers in their battle against their crop-destroying pest, Gramm introduced the Boll Weevil Eradication Equity Act last year which authorized the federal cost share contribution to the states and producers fighting the infestation.  This year’s funding will continue those efforts.

“Our cotton producers have and will save tens of thousands of dollars in pesticide and other preventative measures, keeping more money in the checkbooks of Texas families. I am grateful for this funding, especially for Senator Hutchison’s hard work on securing it,” he said.

Eradication efforts throughout the state have led to increased production and a dramatic reduction of the chemicals required to protect the state’s cotton crop.  The higher yields, environmental benefits, and lower workloads are welcome results.

“Growers want cotton they can market,” Gramm said, “not a government bailout for a destroyed crop.”

The House of Representatives passed HR 2330 on November 13.  It now goes to the White House for the President’s signature.