Farmer Recovery Opportunity and Support for Temperatures Relief Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
- Committees
- Agriculture Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Oct 29, 2026
Bottom line
The bill provides $3.5 billion in federal disaster relief to farmers in 14 Northeastern and Midwestern states affected by specific April 2026 cold weather events.
What it actually does
This bill authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide $3.5 billion in block grants to 14 specific states (Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia) to compensate agricultural producers for crop losses, including multi-year crops and prevented planting, resulting from freezes or cold weather conditions that occurred in April 2026. States would request the assistance through their departments of agriculture or other appropriate agencies.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill provides essential and timely financial relief to farmers who suffered significant and unforeseen losses due to severe cold weather in April 2026, which is outside the typical growing season for many crops. They contend that this targeted assistance is crucial for the economic stability of agricultural communities in the affected states, helping producers recover from devastating revenue, quality, and production losses, including those impacting long-term investments like multi-year crops.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while farmer relief is important, this bill sets a precedent for highly specific, event-driven disaster aid rather than relying on or strengthening existing, broader federal crop insurance and disaster assistance programs. They may contend that such targeted legislation could lead to an an ad-hoc approach to agricultural disaster relief, potentially creating inequities or inefficiencies compared to more comprehensive, standing programs designed to address a wider range of natural disasters.
The bill is very short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for a reader to understand its core provisions and implications quickly.
Section 2(a)
Block Grants for April 2026 Crop Losses
This section authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide block grants to specific states to help farmers recover from crop losses caused by freezes or cold weather in April 2026. The grants cover losses in revenue, quality, or production, and also include crops that could not be planted due to the conditions. The Secretary must provide this assistance within 120 days after funds become available.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision directly addresses a specific and significant agricultural disaster, providing necessary financial support to farmers facing severe losses. They highlight the importance of rapid response to protect agricultural livelihoods and ensure food supply stability in affected regions.
Critics contend
Opponents might argue that creating highly specific disaster relief programs for individual events can be less efficient than utilizing or expanding existing, more generalized federal crop insurance and disaster aid frameworks. They may also raise concerns about the fairness of providing aid for one specific event and region over others.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the need for immediate, targeted relief for a specific disaster against the broader policy goal of maintaining consistent, comprehensive agricultural disaster programs. It prioritizes rapid response for a defined event over a more generalized approach.
Section 2(e)(1)
Definition of Covered States
This subsection explicitly lists the 14 states eligible to receive the block grants: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. This precise geographic scope ensures that the aid is directed only to the regions identified as having suffered the specific April 2026 cold weather damage.
Section 2(f)
Authorization of Appropriations
This section authorizes the appropriation of $3,500,000,000 (3.5 billion dollars) for fiscal year 2027 to fund the block grants. This amount is specified to remain available until expended, meaning the funds do not expire at the end of the fiscal year and can be used until fully disbursed. This authorization is a critical step, but actual funding still requires a separate appropriation act.