Mountain State Times

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, representing West Virginia, has joined a bipartisan initiative to expedite disaster assistance for farmers affected by recent natural disasters. A letter was sent to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, urging the swift publication of guidelines for administering disaster relief aid. The effort is led by Senators Ted Budd and Reverend Raphael Warnock, along with Representatives Chuck Edwards and Don Davis.

The lawmakers emphasized the urgency of the situation: “We write to further urge an expedited rulemaking process for the agricultural disaster relief funding provided by Congress this past December. Following the destruction caused by recent natural disasters, including the catastrophic damages caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, our agricultural producers are heavily relying on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to efficiently and fairly disperse this assistance.”

Additional signatories include Senators Thom Tillis, Jim Justice, Marsha Blackburn, Jon Ossoff, Mark Warner, Tim Kaine; Representatives David Rouzer, Richard Hudson, Virginia Foxx, Greg Murphy M.D., Tim Moore, Deborah Ross, Brad Knott, Pat Harrigan, Addison McDowell from North Carolina; Austin Scott from Georgia; Sanford Bishop Jr., Buddy Carter from Georgia; David Scott from Georgia; Rick Allen from Georgia; Morgan Griffith from Virginia; Vern Buchanan from Florida; Kathy Castor and Scott Franklin also from Florida.

In their communication with Secretary Rollins—congratulating her on her confirmation—the lawmakers reiterated their call for quick action: "We appreciate your recent comments underscoring your commitment to providing farmers with economic relief and disaster aid payments."

The letter highlighted significant financial challenges facing farmers due to drastic drops in farm income over the past two years and projected trade deficits. The $110 billion disaster relief package includes $20.78 billion specifically earmarked for agriculture disaster relief aid.

Producers in vulnerable communities risk downsizing or shutting down if funds are not made accessible soon. Clear guidelines would provide certainty and potentially save many operations.

The legislators concluded by expressing readiness to work with Secretary Rollins: "We stand ready to collaborate with you and your team at the USDA to maximize the positive impact of this vital aid."