Press Releases

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced $675.9 million in disaster assistance for Florida farmers, ranchers and producers impacted by recent hurricanes and natural disasters:

“Floridians are no strangers to the devastating impact of hurricanes. In recent years, our farmers, ranchers and producers have endured back-to-back hurricanes, historic flooding, drought and skyrocketing input costs. Despite these challenges, they have continued to do what they do best, feed Florida, our nation and the world. I applaud Secretary Brooke Rollins, the USDA and President Trump for delivering nearly $676 million in critically needed disaster relief for our agriculture community.

“I’ve worked hard to ensure Florida’s ag community receives the targeted relief it deserves. I led House passage of the Block Grant Assistance Act to give USDA the authority to deliver rapid and flexible aid to producers impacted by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. I also introduced the TEMP Act to protect farmers from being penalized for receiving multiple forms of relief, and co-led the Restore Agricultural Investment, Stability and Expansion (RAISE) Act to improve access to capital and disaster support for small and midsize producers. Along with the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act  and other bipartisan measures I supported, these efforts laid the foundation for the aid being delivered today.

“Florida plays a vital role in feeding the nation and our state’s ag sector deserves strong, consistent support. I will continue fighting to make sure they have the tools and resources to recover, rebuild and thrive. With the right leadership in place, we are finally seeing the decisive action our agricultural industry has been waiting for.”

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