Washington ? Republican senators are seeking $2.88 billion in disaster aid for drought-stricken farmers and ranchers with a proposal tied to federal crop insurance.

The effort by Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and other Republicans comes as the Senate Agriculture Committee readies a drought assistance proposal for a hearing on Thursday. The panel is expected to consider a $5 billion aid package pushed by Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., and Sen. Conrad Burns, R-Mont.

“If farmers are to expect any assistance, I think it has to be at least a reasonable bill,” said Roberts, who serves on the committee. “I think a more fiscally responsible bill might get enough votes.”

The White House has opposed efforts to pass farm disaster payments and insisted that all farm spending come from the $190 billion appropriated under the 10-year farm bill signed into law in May.

Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D. has been pushing for emergency farm payments similar to natural disaster assistance that is appropriated to help rebuild after hurricanes and earthquakes.

Proposed by Roberts and Republican Sens. Sam Brownback of Kansas, Craig Thomas of Wyoming, Wayne Allard of Colorado and Mike Crapo of Idaho, the measure would provide disaster aid for those who have purchased federal crop insurance. Under the bill, those producers could get assistance for losses in one year, either 2001 or 2002.

Those without crop insurance would be required to sign up with the Department of Agriculture for three years’ worth of crop insurance.

“You’ll never make crop insurance work if every year, especially even-numbered years, you’re handing out disaster assistance,” Roberts said, referring to the fact that this is an election year with several competitive Senate races.