(Washington, DC) Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) is calling on United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack to provide disaster assistance to Kentucky farmers as they recover from the devastation of last week’s snow and ice storms.

Below is the letter Congressman Yarmuth sent to Secretary Vilsack.

Dear Secretary Vilsack:

I am writing to request USDA disaster assistance following the severe winter storms that swept across the Commonwealth of Kentucky last week.

While officials are still in the process of estimating total losses, the impact on Kentucky farmers will be substantial, including loss of livestock, debris and structural damage, feed and water shortages, and power outages.  At the height of the storm, nearly 700,000 Kentuckians were left without power, and many farmers are still without electricity.  The storm’s impact on Kentucky’s critical agriculture industry is compounded by our Commonwealth’s economic crisis.  USDA’s disaster assistance is desperately needed, and I, therefore, ask that you act immediately to provide this help to Kentucky farmers.

Thank you for your consideration, and I will await your response.  Please feel free to contact me if I may be of further assistance in this critically important matter.

Sincerely,

John Yarmuth
Member of Congress