House leaders: Drought bill may come up next week

WASHINGTON – House Republican leaders say lawmakers may take up legislation next week to help farmers and ranchers, particularly livestock producers, who've been hit by the drought that's parched much of the nation.

House Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor say disaster relief legislation could be considered next week before Congress leaves for a summer recess.

They're not offering many details of the legislation, but the measure is expected to focus on the livestock industry.

Many corn and soybean farmers are partially shielded from drought damage by crop insurance. But fewer livestock producers have insurance and the main federal disaster program for them expired last year.

The drought is driving up the costs of feed, forcing some livestock farmers to reduce their stocks earlier than planned.