Administration seeks drought help from Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration is calling on Congress to provide assistance to farmers suffering from the worst drought in 25 years. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says three-fifths of the U.S. land mass and much of the country's corn and soybean crops are affected by the lack of rain.

Vilsack met with President Barack Obama Wednesday to discuss a response to the disaster. Vilsack said farmers could get assistance if Congress passes a new farm bill, approves additional disaster programs or provides more flexibility in the availability of credit.