Hoyer Statement on Trump Administration's Emergency Supplemental Funding Request
Press Types
Press Release
For Immediate Release:
November 17, 2017
Contact Info:
Mariel Saez 202-225-3130
WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after the White House released a third emergency supplemental funding request for the victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria:
“While a new supplemental emergency funding request to help victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria is welcome news, I am deeply disappointed that it falls far short of what communities in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands need to rebuild. When I visited areas devastated by the storms, I saw communities still struggling to access basic resources like power, clean water, and food. It’s clear our fellow Americans are still enduring a humanitarian crisis and need more robust assistance.
“I appreciate that the Administration signaled its intention to send a fourth supplemental request, but it has now been almost two months since Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and federal agencies need to do more to help. I appreciate that the Administration included a request for $12 billion in funding to help communities affected by disasters over the last four years reduce their risks to future flooding events; however, I am deeply concerned that such funding relief may be inadequate and that a competitive process may unfairly delay rebuilding efforts for certain communities affected by 2017 storms that need immediate assistance. In considering any supplemental, Congress ought to address immediate rebuilding needs in addition to discussing ways to ensure that devastated communities can rebuild stronger than before and are not left vulnerable to the next storm.
“I hope Democrats and Republicans can work together expeditiously to pass a supplemental that fully meets the needs of affected areas and invests in preparedness for the future.”
“While a new supplemental emergency funding request to help victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria is welcome news, I am deeply disappointed that it falls far short of what communities in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands need to rebuild. When I visited areas devastated by the storms, I saw communities still struggling to access basic resources like power, clean water, and food. It’s clear our fellow Americans are still enduring a humanitarian crisis and need more robust assistance.
“I appreciate that the Administration signaled its intention to send a fourth supplemental request, but it has now been almost two months since Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and federal agencies need to do more to help. I appreciate that the Administration included a request for $12 billion in funding to help communities affected by disasters over the last four years reduce their risks to future flooding events; however, I am deeply concerned that such funding relief may be inadequate and that a competitive process may unfairly delay rebuilding efforts for certain communities affected by 2017 storms that need immediate assistance. In considering any supplemental, Congress ought to address immediate rebuilding needs in addition to discussing ways to ensure that devastated communities can rebuild stronger than before and are not left vulnerable to the next storm.
“I hope Democrats and Republicans can work together expeditiously to pass a supplemental that fully meets the needs of affected areas and invests in preparedness for the future.”