RAISE Act of 2023 Restore Agricultural Investment, Stability, and Expansion Act of 2023
Impact
The bill introduces a program that would allow the Secretary of Agriculture to make payments to eligible producers of high value crops. It also outlines the possibility of delivering this assistance through block grants to states and territories, thereby allowing local governments some discretion in managing support and resources. The provision reflects a shift in federal policies to acknowledge and respond to the increasing frequency of climate-related challenges faced by farmers.
Summary
House Bill 4464, known as the Restore Agricultural Investment, Stability, and Expansion Act of 2023 (RAISE Act), seeks to provide emergency assistance to producers of high value crops adversely affected by natural disasters. This includes scenarios such as droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and other extreme weather events that may lead to revenue loss or impact the quality and production of crops. The bill aims to enhance the support framework for farmers, especially in times of environmental distress.
Contention
A significant point of contention surrounding HB4464 relates to the allocation of federal resources and how emergency assistance programs are structured. Critics may express concerns about the inequities that could arise from block grant distributions, fearing that some regions or types of crops could be neglected. On the other hand, proponents argue that by giving states more control, the funds can be tailored to meet regional needs more effectively and foster quicker recovery for farmers impacted by disasters.