Georgia Rep. 'disappointed' in no federal aid for farmers impacted by Hurricane Michael

WASHINGTON, DC -- Georgia Representative Austin Scott (R-08) is "disappointed" that relief related to Hurricane Michael and other natural disasters for Georgia communities wasn't included in the federal appropriations bill passed this week.

That's according to a release from the Congressman's office. Hurricane Michael impacted many Georgia communities and farmers when it swept through the state in October 2018.

Related content: Georgia farmers, timber industry hit hard by Hurricane Michael

Officials estimated the state's agricultural industry would lose at least $2.5 billion because of the hurricane, and Congressman Scott reportedlyspoke with House leaders in November to ask for federal aid for Georgia farmers to recover.

Scott's release said he was disappointed to find out that the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019, which made it through the House and Senate this week, didn't include the federal aid an earlier appropriations bill reportedly would have given to Georgia's farmers.

His release also accused the appropriations bill of inadequate funding for a southern border wall -- Scott reportedly didn't vote in favor of the legislation. Read his full statement below.

Related content: Farmers crops across middle Georgia devastated by Hurricane Michael

“In October, Georgia was hit hard by one of the strongest hurricanes the state has ever seen. The destruction was unimaginable. It battered cities and small towns and destroyed thousands of acres of farmland. For months, I have worked tirelessly with my colleagues in the House for timely disaster relief for farmers and communities impacted by Hurricane Michael and the other natural disasters of 2018. When this spending package was released without disaster assistance, I was disappointed and frustrated that the assurances we have heard for months that relief would be included in spending measures to reopen the government were empty promises,” Scott said. “For this reason, along with the glaring absence of adequate funds to protect Americans and curb illegal activity by building a physical barrier along our southern border, I could not vote for this spending measure. I promise the people of Georgia and the Southeast that I will continue to do everything I can to ensure the devastation they experienced in the wake of these natural disasters does not go forgotten.”