NW Atlanta News

Rep. Barry Loudermilk of Georgia, alongside the entire Georgia Congressional Delegation and other Southeastern members of Congress, has called for immediate disaster relief for farmers affected by Hurricane Helene. The bipartisan and bicameral letter addressed to Congressional leadership emphasizes the urgent need for federal support to mitigate economic damage in the agricultural sector.

"To prevent deep and lasting economic damage to the agricultural industry in the southeastern United States, it is imperative that Congress make appropriations as soon as possible upon the completion of damage assessments to fully fund unmet agricultural disaster relief needs in our states and across the nation,” stated the Members of Congress. They further highlighted that "Farmers and growers nationwide, not only those damaged by Helene, have now faced multiple growing seasons without sufficient federal support. Our constituents are counting on us to act swiftly.”

The letter was signed by a diverse group of lawmakers including U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Thom Tillis (R-NC) along with Representatives from various districts such as Buddy Carter (GA-1), Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-2), Drew Ferguson (GA-3), Hank Johnson (GA-4), Nikema Williams (GA-5), Rich McCormick (GA-6), Lucy McBath (GA-7), Austin Scott (GA-8), Andrew Clyde (GA-9), Mike Collins (GA-10), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Rick Allen (GA-12), David Scott (GA-13), Majorie Taylor Greene (GA-14) among others from Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

The letter concluded with an appeal for cooperation with the administration: “Federal agricultural disaster assistance is essential to help our States and our Nation recover. We urge you to work with the administration to ensure disaster relief resources are made available to our growers. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to working with you to secure these critical resources.”