October 16, 2006

Farm Bureau PAC Endorses Congressman Doc Hastings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2006

CONTACTS:
Washington State Farm Bureau - Gary Joiner, 800-331-3276
Congressman Doc Hastings Tim Kovis, 509-736-1510


Farm Bureau PAC Endorses Congressman Doc Hastings

Kennewick, WA The Washington Farm Bureau Political Action Committee (PAC) has endorsed Congressman Doc Hastings in his re-election bid based on the recommendations of county Farm Bureau leaders in Central Washington.

"Congressman Hastings has been an effective leader and champion for farmers and ranchers in Central Washington. Hastings has stood with our farmers time and time again and the Washington Farm Bureau PAC is pleased to support such an outstanding member of Congress," said Bob Stuhlmiller, PAC Chairman.

The Washington Farm Bureau is a nonprofit advocacy organization for family farmers and ranchers with more than 34,000 member families.

"I'm honored by the support of the Farm Bureau. Agriculture is the backbone of our region and Central Washington farmers and farm communities come first in my work in Congress," Hastings said.

On international trade, Hastings has worked tirelessly to open markets and level the playing field for Central Washington farmers and ranchers. Hastings is a strong supporter of Trade Promotion Authority that has enabled the United States to engage in more trade agreements. He helped eliminate tariffs for apples, pears and cherries in the Central American Free Trade Agreement. Additionally, Hastings authored and championed through Congress a plan to more than double the Market Access Program and ensures full funding for this trade promotion program each year.

Congressman Hastings has secured millions of dollars for critical agriculture research at Central Washington centers in Prosser, Wenatchee and Wapato.

He is a leader on key water issues. He wrote the law that created the federal study of new water storage in the Yakima River basin, and, has succeeded in passing $8 million
in funding for the study through the House of Representatives. Hastings also got the federal government engaged in finding a solution for the depleting Odessa Subaquifer for the first time ever to ensure the federal government keeps its commitment to Columbia Basin farmers at risk of losing their water supply.

In June, Hastings brought the House Agriculture Committee to Central Washington for a hearing to allow local farmers to share their views and priorities as the new Farm Bill is developed.

Congressman Doc Hastings is seeking re-election representing Washington's 4th Congressional District including Benton, Franklin, Yakima, Klickitat, Kittitas, Chelan, Douglas and Grant counties and portions of Adams and Skamania counties.


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