Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL) suggested that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is taking its time in providing assistance to the victims affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in Florida.
The floods caused by the two storms had a devastating impact on homes and farmlands. Crops were destroyed, and livestock was left stranded and inaccessible. It is worth mentioning that agriculture plays a significant role in Florida’s economy as the state’s second-largest industry.
According to Waltz, the Department of Agriculture, under President Biden’s leadership, is currently withholding the money and not distributing it as quickly as they should, in their opinion.
The Serious Needs Assistance program by the Federal Emergency Management Agency provides households with a $750 payment. FEMA considers this as an initial payment that individuals may receive while their eligibility for additional funds is being assessed.
Representative Waltz proposed that the USDA could allocate a block grant to support local governments in distributing aid.
“They should release that money and ensure it reaches the state locals who can distribute it to our farmers,” Waltz emphasized. “Florida plays a crucial role in providing thirty percent of the nation’s food supply during the winter sports season. Time is running out, and urgent action is needed.”
Former President Donald Trump implemented a block grant system to provide assistance to Florida following Hurricane Ian in 2022. According to Waltz, this approach proved to be more efficient compared to relying solely on FEMA for reimbursement, which can be a slow and time-consuming process. Filing damage assessments with the agency can often take years to complete.
Florida is currently experiencing the peak of hurricane season, which typically concludes on November 30. In the midst of this, Alejandro Mayorkas, the Secretary of Homeland Security, has expressed concerns about FEMA’s funding, stating that it may not be sufficient to cover the entirety of the season.