“I applaud Secretary Vilsack and USDA on announcing the Emergency Relief Program, which is an updated and streamlined version of WHIP+” said Chairman David Scott. “Today's update is great news for producers across America. Having received feedback from stakeholders, USDA has indicated this first phase will be a streamlined process making it easier for producers to utilize this program.” 

Chairman David Scott continued, “I am proud to have continuously worked in a bipartisan manner to secure over $10 billion in disaster assistance, and as Chair of the House Agriculture Committee, will continue to work to support our farmers. The Committee looks forward to our ongoing work with USDA as they implement the second phases for both livestock and crop producers."

“I’m pleased to see the USDA announce that the Emergency Relief Program will begin providing supplemental assistance to family farmers who faced severe weather conditions in 2020 and 2021,” said Subcommittee Chair Cheri Bustos. “I was proud to vote to fund this program last fall to ensure that farmers in Northwest and Central Illinois and across the country have access to the support they need. USDA’s efforts to get this relief out quickly and efficiently using crop insurance data is critical — and a testament to the importance of the federal crop insurance program. This program will bring more producers into the crop insurance program moving forward.”