Some Georgia officials are reacting to the congressional budget challenges and what it could mean in the state of Georgia.

Many farmers in South Georgia are still reeling from the impact of Hurricane Helene.

That storm is estimated to have caused at least $5.5 billion in damage to Georgia agriculture and timber.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said Congress needs to pass a version of the budget with that disaster relief funding intact.

“We don’t have six months,” Harper said. “We are already behind the 8-ball. We need to get a deal done and on the President’s desk before the end of the year.”

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp agreed with Harper posting on X, “While the continuing resolution is not perfect, it contains vital disaster relief funding for tens of thousands of Georgians devastated by Hurricane Helene - particularly our farm families. These families cannot wait months or longer for Congress to reach another deal. I greatly appreciate the work done by @SpeakerJohnson and others to include block grant disaster relief funding to the states in this package, and I urge Georgia’s congressional delegation to support the CR. Our people need and deserve swift federal action.”