Illinois Gov . Pat Quinn called it a ` ` natural disaster of epic proportions '' Nearly 70 % of the U.S. is in some state of drought , a climate agency says . `` We 've never see a drought like this and we have to make sure we do something about it , '' he said , calling on Congress to expedite passage of the farm bill . The 55 % in moderate or worse drought is worst since 1956 , it says . The area in severe drought increased to nearly 32 % from 23 % the year before .
Illinois Gov . Pat Quinn called it a ` ` natural disaster of epic proportions '' Nearly 70 % of the U.S. is in some state of drought , a climate agency says . The 55 % in moderate or worse drought is worst since 1956 , it says . The area in severe drought increased to nearly 32 % from 23 % the year before .