Political Quotes

“Mr. President, as we work to get the agriculture community back on their feet, I won't stop fighting to make sure the Federal Government keeps showing up. Following natural disasters in prior years, USDA has administered block grants to many of our States. The Block Grant Assistance Act would explicitly give USDA the authority to provide block grants as an option to States and territories to assist agricultural producers with losses due to natural disasters occurring in calendar year 2022. Importantly, it provides streamlined relief to growers by freeing up USDA resources at State FSA offices; allowing States to allocate funds directly to growers impacted most by covered disasters; and allowing farmers to perform necessary and time-sensitive tasks on their farms without the danger of forgoing disaster aid. This bill does not mandate States to request disaster funding through State block grants; it only opens up this option. I have talked to many of you about this bill in the last few days, and I understand that some of my Democrat colleagues have concerns about this legislation. I want to address those concerns directly and why we are even talking about this right now. First, this bill doesn't take anything away from anyone's State. It creates an option for block grants that help our growers and ranchers who have been impacted by disasters. Again, this bill will not negatively impact any State. I want to make sure that is clear.…”