WASHINGTON - Legislation that would provide $4 billion in emergency disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers passed the Senate on Thursday, but the bill faces opposition, including a veto threat from President Bush.

The money was added to a massive spending bill designed to pay for the Iraq war and Hurricane Katrina. The Bush administration said last week that many crops had record or near-record production last year, and that the proposed level of assistance is "excessive."

The bill would pay farmers and ranchers around the country for recent losses due to drought, flooding, disease and other disasters. It also would give many farmers an increase on their current federal subsidy check because of higher energy expenses.

National Farmers Union President Tom Buis said the money is badly needed in farm country.

"Droughts, floods, hurricanes, wildfires, insects, budget cuts, low commodity prices and skyrocketing energy costs have placed a significant burden on our nation's food and fiber producers," Buis said.

The bill would provide assistance to farmers around the country, including those who have suffered losses due to Hurricane Katrina, wildfires in Texas and flooding in Hawaii, North Dakota and California.

The legislation is expected to face many opponents as the bill moves to a House-Senate conference.

Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., who will be a member of the conference, said it will be a "tough road" as Bush has called for less spending.

"The president does have a lot of leverage going into this conference," Johnson said. "But we'll do the best we can."