Senate Votes to Advance Disaster Funding Legislation
‘The supplemental funding measure advanced by the Senate yesterday would deliver over $13 billion to help American communities recover and rebuild following recent natural disasters. It would mean more help for victims of tornadoes in our southern states, victims of hurricanes from North Carolina to Puerto Rico, and the families in Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas who are still, as we speak, waiting for the waters of a truly catastrophic flood to recede.’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding supplemental disaster funding legislation:
“In recent months, natural disasters have occupied an outsized share of headlines across America. We’ve seen counties in Alabama and Georgia bear the blows of a vicious tornado and support the loved ones of the 23 people whose lives it claimed. We’ve seen a spate of powerful hurricanes tear across the shores of Florida and the Carolinas, leaving tens of billions of dollars in damage behind. Flooding has repeatedly caused damage in my home state of Kentucky, and of course, it is currently at major disaster levels in communities across the Midwest.
“In some places, the process of rebuilding has dragged on for months already. Families have faced the daily struggle of getting things back to ‘normal.’ Others are still literally underwater. Residents are wading through the wreckage of homes and businesses. Normal seems a long, long way away. From the Gulf Coast to the heartland, there are Americans calling for help. Here in Congress, we must have their backs. We must take swift and comprehensive action. So I’m pleased to say that a number of our colleagues have crafted legislation that would allow us to answer their calls.
“The supplemental funding measure advanced by the Senate yesterday would deliver over $13 billion to help American communities recover and rebuild following recent natural disasters. It would mean more help for victims of tornadoes in our southern states, victims of hurricanes from North Carolina to Puerto Rico, and the families in Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas who are still, as we speak, waiting for the waters of a truly catastrophic flood to recede.
“The legislation before us would equip the Department of Defense to conduct urgent repairs to bases and installations damaged by storms. It would help America’s farmers and ranchers cover storm-related losses. And it would help get local schools, healthcare facilities, and major infrastructure back on track more quickly.
“I’m proud of the work put in by many members to prepare this latest package so swiftly and thoroughly on behalf of our communities in need. We owe thanks to the leadership of Chairman Shelby, along with the efforts of Senator Perdue, Senator Isakson, Senator Scott, Senator Rubio, and others who made this effort possible. Thanks to them, the Senate can take action soon on a comprehensive measure to support our fellow citizens.”
Related Issues: Infrastructure, Appropriations
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