An Update from Congressman Austin Scott
April 27, 2026
Dear Georgian,
Our state is experiencing a severe drought that has resulted in devastating wildfires in South Georgia. I am working closely with both state and federal officials to ensure the response is timely and that we have all resources necessary.
FEMA quickly approved two Fire Management Assistance grants for additional assets, including helicopter support and an air tanker.
The Georgia State Forester has issued a Burn Ban Order for 91 counties, the first of its kind ever issued in our state. Furthermore, Governor Kemp has declared a state of emergency and both will be in effect for at least 30 days.
The Burn Ban Order prohibits, among other activities, prescribed burns as well as the burning of yard debris and agricultural material in the affected area. You can read more about the Burn Ban Order here.
The State of Emergency allows for the Georgia Department of Defense to mobilize the Georgia National Guard and resources for wildfire suppression operations. To date, air assets and up to 150 Guardsmen are authorized for state active duty and deployment to the affected areas. The State of Emergency also prohibits price gouging. To learn more about the State of Emergency, click here.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is assisting by providing three helicopters with fire suppression capabilities, a D6 Dozer and operator for debris removal, two Type 2 Water Engines and four team members, and ten Game Wardens to assist with evacuations.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture is assisting with livestock relocation for impacted areas.
Please remain alert and follow any state issued guidance and please continue to pray for our brave firefighters and emergency response crews as they continue to work tirelessly to keep us safe. For more wildfire information and emergency updates, click here.
As always, my staff and I are here to help. If you need assistance with a federal agency or have comments or concerns to share with me, please do not hesitate to call my Warner Robins, Tifton, or Washington, D.C. offices. To receive frequent updates, I encourage you to visit my website, like my Facebook page, follow me on YouTube, and follow me on Twitter.
Keep reading for the full update.
Sincerely,
Congressman Austin Scott
 |
Honoring the Life of Rep. David Scott on the House Floor
I joined my colleague, Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA) in hosting a moment of silence on the House floor, during votes, to honor the life and legacy of Rep. David Scott.
Watch my full remarks here.
Speaking with Valdosta and Lowndes County Leaders
Last week, I met with leadership from Valdosta and Lowndes County during their Washington, D.C. fly in and I was joined by colleague, Rep. Buddy Carter (GA-01).
We discussed the latest in Washington, D.C., economic development, healthcare, and education. We also talked about Moody Air Force Base, the extension of the A-10 program and the rollout of the F-35 mission.
Meeting with the Georgia Hospital Association
Last Tuesday, I was pleased to meet with the Georgia Hospital Association in my office in Washington.
We discussed the backlog of money owed by insurance carriers refusing to pay claims totaling millions of dollars to hospitals across my district. I also brought this up in a Rules Committee hearing this week and will continue to work for accountability and transparency in our health care system.
 |
Remembering the legacy of Rep. David Scott
I spoke to Atlanta News First about my friend and longtime colleague, Representative David Scott, upon the news of his passing. Watch my full interview here.
 |
Farm Bill Renames 1890 Scholars Program to Honor Rep. David Scott
The farm bill is taking a step to recognize one of Congress’s longtime advocates for agricultural education, renaming a key scholarship program that supports students at historically Black land-grant universities.
The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 passed out of committee with an amendment to rename the 1890 National Scholars Program in honor of David Scott.
The amendment was introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, who said the change reflects Scott’s long-standing commitment to the program and the students it serves.
“Empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders is a critical part of the farm bill, and I am proud to support the 1890 scholarship program,” Thompson said. “There has been no greater champion of this scholarship program than Rep. David Scott… It was only right to introduce an amendment to rename this important scholarship program after Mr. Scott, its most steadfast advocate in Congress.”
The amendment was widely supported and approved by voice vote.
Georgia Congressman Austin Scott also voiced support, calling the move a fitting tribute to Scott’s work on behalf of historically Black colleges and universities.
“Chairman David Scott has been a longtime friend and colleague,” he said. “Naming the 1890 Scholarship Program after Chairman David Scott not only honors his years of service, but cements his legacy as a champion of HBCUs in Congress.”
The 1890 institutions were established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890 and include 19 historically Black land-grant universities across the country. The scholarship program has played a key role in training and supporting future leaders in agriculture.
Under the proposed legislation, the program will officially be renamed the David A. Scott Scholarship Program for Students at 1890 Institutions, continuing its mission while honoring the lawmaker who helped shape it.
Read the full article here.
| Washington D.C. 2185 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-6531 | Tifton District 127-B N. Central Ave. Tifton, GA 31794 Phone: (229) 396-5175 | Warner Robins 120 Byrd Way, Suite 100 Warner Robins, GA 31088 Phone: (478) 971-1776 |
