LaMalfa Statement on Passage of the American Relief Act

Washington, D.C.—Today, Congress passed H.R. 10545, the American Relief Act, ensuring continued government operations through March 14, 2025. This legislation delivers significant disaster relief and provides key funding extensions for agriculture and healthcare programs.

“This legislation provides critical support for farmers, ranchers, and wildfire-prone regions, all while avoiding a government shutdown. The agricultural relief will help producers recover from recent disasters and stabilize their operations. Priorities like forest thinning through shaded fuel breaks, and agricultural disaster aid are essential steps in addressing these challenges. I’m pleased to see these important components included in the bill to keep our agricultural sector stable,” said Rep. LaMalfa. 

The bill includes $75 million for shaded fuel breaks in California’s U.S. Forest Service Region 5, a crucial step in wildfire prevention. With over 1 million acres burned in California this year alone, this funding will be instrumental in protecting towns, forests, and firefighters in wildfire-prone areas. The effectiveness of these measures was on display during this year’s Park Fire, where the Highway 32 fuel break played a critical role in stopping the fire’s progression.

H.R. 10545 also provides $30.78 billion for agriculture disaster relief to support farmers and ranchers who faced devastating losses in 2023 and 2024. This funding addresses revenue losses, quality or production crop damage, milk production declines, and the destruction of on-farm stored commodities, trees, bushes, and vines. Specific disasters covered include drought, wildfires, hurricanes, floods, derechos, smoke exposure, polar vortex freezes, and other severe weather events.

In addition, the bill allocates $2 billion specifically for livestock producers affected by drought, wildfires, or floods in 2023 and 2024. The $21 billion for agricultural natural disaster relief meets the critical needs of impacted areas and underscores the importance of timely federal action.

It also includes vital funding for Teaching Health Centers (THCs), which train doctors to serve in rural areas facing severe physician shortages. Many graduates remain in the areas where they trained, helping to stabilize healthcare access in underserved regions. The bill also extends telehealth flexibilities, ensuring rural patients can receive care despite declining hospital access.

The American Relief Act also extends programs and funding for the 2018 Farm Bill through September 30, 2025, and maintains support for key healthcare programs, including teaching health centers, community health centers, and telehealth authorities, through March 31, 2025.