Politics

Congress to Quickly Pass Emergency Assistance for Those Affected by Hurricane Ike, Other Disasters

By Office of the Speaker

Speaker Pelosi announced that that Congress is immediately putting together an emergency disaster assistance package to meet recovery needs associated with Hurricane Ike, as well as response needs for Hurricane Gustav, Western wildfires, and the severe tornadoes and record flooding that hit Iowa and other Midwestern states earlier this summer.

Speaker Pelosi:

The devastation caused by Hurricane Ike demands a swift federal response. Congress will move quickly to pass emergency disaster assistance funds to help those in Texas and other states affected by this tragedy. From debris removal and housing needs, to the restoration of infrastructure and local economies, the emergency disaster package will cover the range of recovery needs that must be immediately addressed.

In addition to addressing needs associated with Hurricane Ike, this emergency assistance package will also provide funds needed for the still unfolding response to Hurricane Gustav, the wildfires that have raged in California and other Western states, and the severe tornadoes and record flooding that hit Iowa and other Midwestern states in May and June.

Within weeks of the disasters that struck the Midwest, Congress appropriated an initial $2.65 billion for immediate recovery needs. However, much of that funding still has not reached families, businesses, and localities that are struggling to restore their communities.

It is unacceptable that the Bush Administration and bureaucratic red tape has unnecessarily slowed delivery of these vital funds to the affected regions and individuals. I call on President Bush to direct FEMA, HUD, SBA and other agencies responsible for administering disaster response to expedite release of the funds Congress appropriates to all states, localities, communities, and families in need.

Full post as published by The Gavel on September 15, 2008 (boomark / email).