Source: Reuters, 5/11/11

Congress could have to pay twice as much as expected to keep U.S. agricultural disaster programs in operation at a time when farm spending is under scrutiny, according to budget projections.

The programs, including a fund to compensate crop losses, are due to expire on Sept 30. It would cost $9 billion to renew them for five years compared to $5 billion suggested for that purpose by the administration's deficit reduction commission.

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