On Tuesday, the House Agriculture Committee advanced the WHIP+ Reauthorization Act (HR. 267) by a unanimous vote. This legislation would reactivate the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) for all 2020 and 2021 natural disasters. It was introduced by bipartisan group of Representatives from Western states including Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel), Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara), John Garamendi (D-Walnut Grove), Jim Costa (D-Fresno), Jared Huffman (D-Marina), and Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale). The bill provides a boost to a program that is an important lifeline for agricultural producers whose crops were damaged by disaster, including smoke from fires.
