(a) Definition of livestock
In this section, the term livestock includes elk, reindeer, bison, horses, and deer.
(b) Availability of assistance
In such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriation Acts, the Secretary of Agriculture may provide assistance to dairy and other livestock producers to cover economic losses incurred by such producers in connection with the production of livestock.
(c) Types of assistance The assistance provided to livestock producers may be in the following forms:
(1) Indemnity payments to livestock producers who incur livestock mortality losses.
(2) Livestock feed assistance to livestock producers affected by shortages of feed.
(3) Compensation for sudden increases in production costs.
(4) Such other assistance, and for such other economic losses, as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(d) Limitations
The Secretary may not use the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide assistance under this section.
(e) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.
