U.S. Senators David Perdue (R-GA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) introduced a supplemental package that will provide about $3 billion for disaster relief across the country, including critical funds for Georgia farmers recovering in the wake of Hurricane Michael.
Perdue and Isakson both said they plan to continue raising this issue in the Senate until Congress approves disaster funding. Hurricane Michael caused more than $2.5 billion in losses to Georgia’s agricultural industry alone.
“Farmers in Georgia and other states across the country are hurting from historic hurricanes and devastating wildfires,” said Senator Perdue, member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “We cannot wait around for Congress to complete this year’s government funding. Federal disaster relief should be considered immediately. In October, President Trump and Vice President Pence both saw the devastation firsthand and promised to help Georgia and other states rebuild. Now, Congress has the opportunity to help them keep that promise. I will continue to fight for disaster relief until our farmers and rural communities have the resources they need to get back on their feet.”
Isakson and Perdue joined Vice President Mike Pence and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue visiting farmers and producers in Bainbridge, Moultrie, and Albany who were devastated by Hurricane Michael.
On November 30, 2018, Senators Perdue and Isakson sent two letters requesting additional funding for disaster assistance for Georgians recovering after Hurricane Michael: the first letter was sent to Senate appropriators and the second went to Senate leadership.
“Georgia farmers are still recovering from natural disasters in 2017 and 2018, and they need all the support they can get,” said Senator Isakson. “We’ve got to help them and the other farm communities who have had natural disasters change their lives through no fault of their own, and I will keep working to get them the federal aid they need.”
