WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) issued the following statement upon the Senate passing much-needed federal assistance for communities impacted by recent natural disasters:

“Earlier today, the Senate passed a disaster assistance package for our American farm families impacted by natural disasters, including Hurricane Michael,” said Rep. Austin Scott. “This package is much-needed relief and contains language that I have fought for which will help farmers, ranchers, and our pecan, timber, and seasonal fruit and vegetable producers that have been devastated from the disasters. I will continue fighting for our farmers as this package comes before the House and urge leadership to swiftly pass it and send it to the President’s desk.”

For months, Rep. Scott and Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA-02), along with many of their Southeastern colleagues in the House and U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and David Perdue (R-GA), have worked to secure federal assistance for not only Georgia, but also other areas impacted by hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters.

Prior to passage of today’s legislation, the House had previously passed similar legislation on three different occasions. However, partisan negotiations had broken down talks in the Senate which stalled any bill from passing until a deal was reached earlier today.

The Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2019 (H.R. 2157) includes language authored by Rep. Scott and Rep. Bishop to ensure $3 billion will be appropriated into the Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program to provide relief for producers impacted by Hurricane Michael and other natural disasters.

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