Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Rep. Arrington (TX-19), with 15 of his colleagues, sent a bipartisan letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack urging the agency to provide Texas agriculture producers with a timeline and plan for the distribution of critical disaster assistance.

Click here to read the full letter.

“Congress worked in historic, bipartisan fashion to authorize $10 billion in disaster relief for our agriculture producers. Unfortunately, USDA has failed to provide any information about their plan or timeline for distributing this critical assistance. Over the last year, producers have endured labor shortages, skyrocketing input costs, barriers to global markets due to supply chain congestion, and severe weather. Now, unacceptable bureaucratic delays are creating more uncertainty for agribusinesses who need this relief to cover losses from natural disasters and prepare for next year’s planting season. I am proud to lead this bipartisan letter with my Texas colleagues urging USDA to immediately address delays in access to assistance.” – Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19)

“Last year, I introduced the RESTORE Act to provide critical disaster relief assistance to hard-working Texas farmers who’ve seen their livelihoods crushed by extreme weather conditions like the unprecedented winter storm and excessive drought. I worked with my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to include language from the RESTORE Act in a larger disaster relief bill for farmers; namely, to extend the WHIP+ program. It was a great accomplishment to see this bill signed into law. The Biden Administration has yet to administer the WHIP+ program, depriving our farmers of the resources Congress made available to them. The legislative branch did its job, and it is past time the executive branch follow suit. This is bureaucracy at its finest, something I know Texans won’t stand for. I’m glad to join my Texas colleagues in urging Secretary Vilsack to do his job and see this important program through immediately.” – Rep. Ronny Jackson (TX-13)

“Congress authorized disaster relief programs for agricultural producers who suffered major losses in 2020 and 2021, yet this relief has been delayed without explanation. The United States Department of Agriculture needs to move swiftly, and Texas farmers and ranchers deserve to know the agency’s timeline for distributing the assistance. I am proud to join with my colleagues to ensure our producers receive the assistance they need.” – Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11)

Background:

• In September 2021, Congress authorized supplemental disaster relief for agricultural producers who suffered weather-related, catastrophic losses in 2020 and 2021.
• These reauthorized programs, such as the Wildfire Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+), are critical for producers struggling with historic and widespread losses and vital in their ability to feed and clothe the world.

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Congressman Jodey Arrington is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives serving the Nineteenth Congressional District of Texas. He serves as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.