Amarillo Gazette

On Wednesday, Congressmen Ronny Jackson, Jodey Arrington, and August Pfluger, along with Senator Roger Marshall, sent a letter to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack regarding the mismanagement of the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) and the failure to provide disaster assistance payments to farmers and ranchers for crop losses in the 2022 crop year. The letter comes in response to the USDA's recent announcement of misguided changes to the program.

Congressman Jackson, who has been vocal about the need for timely distribution of disaster assistance funds, expressed his disappointment in the USDA's handling of the situation. He said, "Instead of distributing disaster relief assistance quickly and efficiently to mitigate weather challenges in 2022, the USDA has radically changed the Emergency Relief Program to prioritize DEI initiatives and make deeper payment cuts that punish full-time farmers. I will not sit idly by as the agriculture community is dismantled by this administration."

Congressman Arrington raised concerns about the discriminatory practices of the USDA's Emergency Relief Program. He stated, "The USDA's 2022 Emergency Relief Program gives higher disaster payments to producers based on the color of their skin and biological sex - rather than targeting farmers with the greatest need. This is just another example of the Biden Administration using identity politics to drive public policy. These discriminatory and divisive practices have no place in America."

Senator Marshall criticized the Biden administration's approach to agriculture, stating, "Joe Biden's war on American agriculture continues. It seems like every program put forward by this administration comes with arbitrary restrictions that hurt farmers and ranchers in an effort to advance their political agenda. The Emergency Relief Program was once workable and effective but has now fallen into total disrepair. Farmers need assistance now, and USDA needs to return to their old program to get these dollars out the door."

Representative Pfluger expressed his concerns about the methodology being used in the implementation of the USDA's Emergency Relief Program. He emphasized the need for a system that fulfills the intended purpose of assisting farm families in need without unwarranted limitations.

The letter, signed by numerous members of Congress, highlights the bipartisan support for addressing the issues with the Emergency Relief Program. It calls on Secretary Vilsack to provide answers and take action to ensure that agricultural producers receive the financial assistance they desperately need.

The full letter, along with the list of co-signers, can be found on Congressman Jackson's website.

This latest development adds to the growing frustration among farmers and ranchers who have been grappling with the impacts of natural disasters, rising input costs, and labor shortages. The USDA's mismanagement of the Emergency Relief Program has only exacerbated these challenges, leaving farmers in a vulnerable position.

It is crucial for the USDA to address the concerns raised by Congressman Jackson, Congressman Arrington, and Senator Marshall. Timely and efficient distribution of disaster assistance funds is essential to support the agricultural community and ensure their resilience in the face of adversity. The Biden administration must prioritize the needs of farmers and ranchers and work towards a more effective and equitable approach to disaster relief.

As the letter from these lawmakers demonstrates, there is a united front in Congress to hold the USDA accountable and advocate for the agricultural industry. It is now up to Secretary Vilsack to respond and take the necessary steps to rectify the failures of the Emergency Relief Program.

The agricultural community is a vital part of our nation's economy and food supply chain. It is imperative that they receive the support they deserve during these challenging times. With continued pressure from lawmakers and stakeholders, it is hoped that the USDA will address the concerns raised and take swift action to rectify the situation.

Click this link to access more information: https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=798