Tallahassee Sun

Congressman Neal Dunn, representing Florida's 2nd district, alongside 14 other lawmakers, has called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to take immediate measures to support farmers and rural communities affected by Hurricane Helene. The bipartisan group sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, outlining specific steps needed for an effective recovery in the Southeast.

"Hurricane Helene has caused significant damage to our agricultural communities, and it's vital that we act quickly to support the recovery process," stated Congressman Dunn. He urged the USDA to "deploy Farm Service Agency (FSA) strike teams, utilize local rainfall data for accurate damage assessments, and provide disaster aid through state block grants."

The letter highlighted three primary actions:

1. Deploy FSA Strike Teams: These teams would assist farmers in the most affected areas by helping them navigate disaster relief programs swiftly.

2. Utilize Local Rainfall Data: The Risk Management Agency (RMA) is encouraged to work with local stakeholders to enhance the accuracy of rainfall data used for crop insurance claims.

3. Provide Block Grant Disaster Aid: State block grants would expedite aid delivery and allow states flexibility in addressing their unique agricultural needs.

The initiative was led by Congresswoman Kat Cammack and co-signed by several Florida Representatives including Neal Dunn, Aaron Bean, Gus Bilirakis, Byron Donalds, Scott Franklin, Laurel Lee, Cory Mills, Mike Waltz, Daniel Webster, as well as Rep. Kat Cammack herself. Other signatories included Georgia's Rick Allen, Austin Scott, Buddy Carter; North Carolina's Virginia Foxx; and Virginia's Morgan Griffith.

Read the full letter here.