Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, this bill, led by my colleagues Representatives Scott Franklin and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, both of the Sunshine State as well, has the support of the entire Florida delegation, which is very urgently calling, on behalf of the citrus producers in our State, to pass this bill. Hurricane Ian impacted more than 375,000 acres of citrus groves, costing nearly $675 million in damages to the industry. More than 90 percent of all Florida citrus production was impacted by tropical storms in 2022. I will repeat that because I think it bears repeating: More than 90 percent of all Florida citrus produce was impacted by tropical storms in 2022. {time} 1715 In December of last year, Congress appropriated $3.7 billion, with a b, to address agricultural losses from hurricanes and other natural disasters. However, to date, no citrus grower has received any of the agricultural disaster relief funds. None. When speaking to Secretary Vilsack, Secretary of the USDA, during a recent Ag Committee hearing, the Secretary stated that they, being USDA, needed this authority from Congress, and if we give USDA the authority, they will do everything that they can to get these funds to those who need it most. The exact quote from Secretary Vilsack was: If you, Congress, direct us, USDA, and give us the power to do so, we will do everything we can to get the resources to the people who need it as quickly as we can.…”