WASHINGTON, Feb 12: Farmers and ranchers would see up to $80,000 apiece in disaster relief under an amendment approved by the US Senate on Tuesday.

Senators voted, 69-30, to make $2.4 billion in aid available as emergency spending, meaning no offsetting reduction in federal spending elsewhere would be required. The amendment was added to a five-year, $45 billion farm bill expected to pass the Senate by mid-week.

Montana Democratic Sen. Max Baucus, who proposed the aid, said drought was destroying crops in the West and imperilling herds.

“We need to take care of, and support, people affected by natural catastrophe,” Baucus said. Maximum aid to an operator would be $80,000, he said.—Reuters