Florida’s 3rd Congressional District suffered significant damage to its agricultural industry due to Hurricane Helene, with Rep. Kat Cammack describing the destruction as “like a bomb went off.” The storm not only caused residential and commercial damage but also impacted the aquaculture industry on the coast and agricultural areas inland. Cammack noted that Hurricane Helene had a more severe impact on her district compared to Hurricane Milton, which struck Florida in October. She praised Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for his leadership during the crisis, commending his no-nonsense approach to emergency response.
While Cammack lauded Gov. DeSantis for his handling of the storms, she criticized the federal response, particularly from the USDA. She claimed that the agency had been “nonexistent” in providing assistance to agricultural producers in her district, despite the significant damage they suffered. Cammack stated that the lack of support from the USDA has been detrimental to farmers, with little help being offered compared to the Small Business Administration, which she noted had been somewhat more helpful. A USDA spokesperson refuted Cammack’s claims, stating that the agency had been actively involved in the recovery efforts following Hurricanes Milton and Helene, providing assistance to farmers through various programs and initiatives.
In response to the USDA’s statement, Cammack fired back, accusing the agency of not adequately supporting farmers in her district. She claimed that despite repeated requests for assistance, USDA personnel had not been deployed to the disaster areas to help producers navigate the recovery programs. Cammack also noted that over 200 farmers and ranchers had informed her that they had not received any assistance from the USDA following the storm. The congresswoman criticized the agency for prioritizing its public image over responding to the legitimate concerns of citizens in need of support.
As a representative for Florida’s 3rd Congressional District, Cammack emphasized her commitment to advocating for her constituents and holding federal agencies accountable for their responsibilities. She expressed frustration with the lack of support from the USDA and vowed to push the federal bureaucracy to better serve the needs of farmers and ranchers in her district. Cammack highlighted the disconnect between government agencies and the citizens they are meant to serve, calling for a more proactive and responsive approach to disaster recovery efforts. Despite the challenges faced by her constituents, Cammack remains determined to fight for their interests and ensure they receive the assistance they require.
Having served in the House since 2021, Cammack is currently seeking re-election to continue representing the interests of Florida’s 3rd Congressional District. She has been a vocal advocate for farmers, ranchers, and other constituents affected by natural disasters, pushing for greater federal support and assistance in times of crisis. Cammack’s efforts to hold the USDA accountable for its response to Hurricane Helene reflect her commitment to ensuring that her constituents receive the help they need to recover and rebuild in the aftermath of devastating storms. As she continues her campaign for re-election, Cammack remains dedicated to fighting for the residents of her district and advocating for their interests at the federal level.
