U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from all members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate as well as the House and Senate leadership and House and Senate committees.
Featured Stories
Senate Passes Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peters & Sen. Johnson Bipartisan Bill to Safeguard Taxpayer Dollars, Improve Independent Auditing of Federal Grant Recipients
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, issued the following news release:
Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) to improve the quality, usability, and completeness of grant recipient audit data has passed the Senate. State, local, Tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments receiving more than $1 million in federal grants must submit annual independent audits of their financial controls, but the resulting public data is often incomplete, limiting federal
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, issued the following news release:
Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) to improve the quality, usability, and completeness of grant recipient audit data has passed the Senate. State, local, Tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments receiving more than $1 million in federal grants must submit annual independent audits of their financial controls, but the resulting public data is often incomplete, limiting federaloversight and informed decision-making in grant allocation. This bill would safeguard taxpayer dollars by making audit data more accessible and increasing opportunities to identify potential fraud. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.
"Effective oversight of federal grants is crucial to ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and efficiently," said Senator Peters. "My bipartisan bill will improve the quality and accessibility of audit data, which will enhance our ability to fight fraud and increase transparency of federal grant program spending for the American public."
"The federal government doles out billions of dollars in federal funds to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments each year," said Senator Johnson. It is imperative for the grant recipients to submit financial audits of their use of taxpayer-funded grants. This bill will help eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse of federal grants."
"I am very pleased that the bill incorporates multiple GAO recommendations to help improve the quality and completeness of information on single audit results. It is a step in the right direction in helping to ensure federal award recipients are complying with the requirements of their awards. If effectively implemented, the provision in the bill will strengthen accountability and transparency over federal funds," said Eugene Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).
A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report highlighted issues affecting the reliability and usefulness of independent audits for state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments receiving more than $1 million in federal grants. These issues include inconsistent audit data quality, instances of noncompliance with auditing requirements, and difficulties in accessing and analyzing the resulting data. This fragmented financial information hinders federal agencies' ability to conduct effective oversight and make informed decisions about grant allocations.
The bipartisan Financial Management Risk Reduction Act would act on key recommendations from the GAO's report and streamline how the government analyzes independent audit data. The bill would improve the federal government's ability to combat fraud by leveraging existing single audit data to minimize financial risk. The bill also directs the Office of Management and Budget and the General Services Administration to identify fraud risk with a new cross-governmental strategy and advanced analytical tools. To improve the quality of independent audit data, the bill requires periodic government-wide reviews of audit quality that incorporate findings from federal oversight entities. The bill would also increase federal agency coordination to ensure recipients of federal awards are complying with requirements and submitting their required audits.
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Original text here: https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/media/dems/senate-passes-peters-and-johnson-bipartisan-bill-to-safeguard-taxpayer-dollars-and-improve-independent-auditing-of-federal-grant-recipients/
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Cardin Applauds President Biden's Historic Visit to the Amazon Rainforest
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Maryland, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release on Nov. 19, 2024:
Today, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, praised President Joe Biden for becoming the first sitting president to visit the Amazon rainforest. President Biden also announced an additional $50 million contribution to the Amazon Fund, bringing the total U.S. contribution to $100 million. This renewed contribution follows Chair Cardin and U.S. Representative Steny Hoyer's (MD-05) joint introduction
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Maryland, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release on Nov. 19, 2024:
Today, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, praised President Joe Biden for becoming the first sitting president to visit the Amazon rainforest. President Biden also announced an additional $50 million contribution to the Amazon Fund, bringing the total U.S. contribution to $100 million. This renewed contribution follows Chair Cardin and U.S. Representative Steny Hoyer's (MD-05) joint introductionof the Combatting Global Deforestation Act in the Senate and House of Representatives to authorize $3.5 billion over four years to finance forest conservation and restoration projects in developing countries.
"President Biden's journey to the Amazon is a landmark gesture of solidarity with the rainforest, its indigenous communities, and the environmental defenders who risk everything to protect it. This vast, biodiverse ecosystem - home to countless species, a critical safeguard for our planet's climate, and the lifeblood of cultures that have harmonized with nature for generations - holds a significance that transcends borders. I commend President Biden for reaffirming our commitment to conservation and human rights. His visit reminds the world that it can count on American leaders to work towards a just, sustainable future."
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Original text here: https://www.foreign.senate.gov/press/dem/release/chair-cardin-applauds-president-bidens-historic-visit-to-the-amazon-rainforest
Sen. Wyden Issues Statement on Trump Announcing DOE & DOI Nominations
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued the following statement on Donald Trump picking Chris Wright to be nominated for Department of Energy secretary and Doug Burgum to be nominated for Department of Interior secretary.
"It's sadly not the least bit surprising that Trump's picks to do his bidding at the Department of Energy and the Department of the Interior have long track records cheerleading for Big Oil, corporate America, and the ultra-wealthy gas executives plotting to fill their already over-stuffed pocketbooks,"
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued the following statement on Donald Trump picking Chris Wright to be nominated for Department of Energy secretary and Doug Burgum to be nominated for Department of Interior secretary.
"It's sadly not the least bit surprising that Trump's picks to do his bidding at the Department of Energy and the Department of the Interior have long track records cheerleading for Big Oil, corporate America, and the ultra-wealthy gas executives plotting to fill their already over-stuffed pocketbooks,"Wyden said. "These nominees were selected with the goal of taking our country back in time and rolling back climate progress. American workers and families will pay a steep price as Trump's agenda destroys jobs and shuts down renewable energy projects all over the country that Americans overwhelmingly support.
"But make no mistake: as a senior member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I will watchdog the Trump administration's every move. Oregonians voted for elected officials who will stand up to Trump's climate denying policies and keep fighting to protect our state's beloved public lands from being pillaged for profit. That's exactly what I'll do-all while keeping a spotlight on the urgent need for climate action so all Oregonians have a bright and better future."
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Original text here: https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-statement-on-trump-announcing-doe-and-doi-nominations
Rep. Porter Vote By Mail Tracking Act Passes House With Broad, Bipartisan Support
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- Rep. Katie Porter, D-California, issued the following news release:
Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed Rep. Katie Porter's (D-CA) Vote By Mail Tracking Act to boost confidence in our elections and help Americans verify their vote is counted. The bill would add standardized official barcodes to each mail-in ballot, so voters can track their ballot's status. In advance of yesterday's vote, Rep. Porter delivered remarks on the House floor in support of her legislation.
"Voters deserve to see that their ballots are securely delivered and counted, no matter what
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- Rep. Katie Porter, D-California, issued the following news release:
Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed Rep. Katie Porter's (D-CA) Vote By Mail Tracking Act to boost confidence in our elections and help Americans verify their vote is counted. The bill would add standardized official barcodes to each mail-in ballot, so voters can track their ballot's status. In advance of yesterday's vote, Rep. Porter delivered remarks on the House floor in support of her legislation.
"Voters deserve to see that their ballots are securely delivered and counted, no matter whatstate they vote in," said Rep. Porter. "Improving efficiency and transparency in our elections is good for all Americans, and I'm proud the House passed my Vote By Mail Tracking Act with broad, bipartisan support. Americans are counting on the Senate to send this bill to the President's desk for his signature."
The Vote by Mail Tracking Act would help voters track their ballots and have confidence that election officials count their vote. Under this bill, each mail-in ballot envelope must:
* Contain a United States Postal Service (USPS) barcode;
* Meet USPS design requirements and standards for machinable letters; and
* Include an Official Election Mail logo.
Some states already have ballot tracking systems available for voters to use, but in other states it can be hard to verify if a ballot arrives on time. Rep. Porter's bill would make transparency the standard nationwide so every eligible voter trusts that their vote is safely received and processed. The Vote By Mail Tracking Act is cosponsored by 19 Members of Congress. Representatives Nancy Mace (R-SC), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), Byron Donalds (R-FL), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) introduced the bill with Rep. Porter in September 2023.
"We've been pushing this bill for a year, and it's time we got it across the finish line," said Rep. Mace. "Every American should have the right to track their vote from mailbox to ballot box. This legislation will bring much-needed transparency, ensuring voters know their voice will be heard and counted."
"Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy, so we must doggedly protect every step of the voting process. This common-sense legislation adds another safeguard to the increasingly efficient and effective mail-in balloting process -- thereby strengthening the electoral process as a whole. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation and urge its passage in the U.S. Senate to help ensure mail-in ballots are properly delivered and counted in future elections," said Rep. Mfume.
"I am proud the House took a critical step forward in protecting the integrity of our elections," said Rep. Fitzpatrick. "Our bipartisan legislation will ensure every mail-in ballot meets USPS standards, can be tracked, and is properly identified as official election mail. I urge my Senate colleagues to join us in restoring confidence in the electoral process and guaranteeing every voter's voice is heard."
"We need to make voting more accessible for every American and ensure the process is always secure and transparent," said Rep. Connolly. "With passage of the Vote By Mail Tracking Act in the House, we've taken a significant step toward achieving that goal. As more Americans choose to vote by mail, this simple measure will ensure all ballots are trackable and every valid vote is counted."
Congresswoman Porter has championed transparency and accountability during her time in Congress. She's introduced multiple bills to help restore Americans' trust in government, like her proposals to modernize Congress, improve government efficiency, and ban stock trading by our nation's leaders. Each month, Rep. Porter discloses meetings she takes in her official capacity on her website so Americans can see how she spends her time. She's also introduced legislation to eliminate foreign funding of ballot initiatives, reduce foreign influence in our elections, and crack down on scammers who pocket money through fake political action committees.
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Original text here: https://porter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=674
House Transportation Committee Members Larsen, Titus Issue Statements From Hearing on FEMA Disaster Response
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Washington, ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, issued the following news release on Nov. 19, 2024:
The following are opening remarks from Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Rick Larsen (D-WA) and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Dina Titus (D-NV) during today's hearing titled, "In the Eye of the Storm: Oversight of FEMA's Disaster Readiness and Response."
Video of Larsen's and Titus' opening statements are
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Washington, ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, issued the following news release on Nov. 19, 2024:
The following are opening remarks from Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Rick Larsen (D-WA) and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Dina Titus (D-NV) during today's hearing titled, "In the Eye of the Storm: Oversight of FEMA's Disaster Readiness and Response."
Video of Larsen's and Titus' opening statements arehere (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LS3CQ_opt_c__;!!Bg5easoyC-OII2vlEqY8mTBrtW-N4OJKAQ!LUiqoXFsYkgl-HVbffMt-eG1dDI969goy2-Q7uYbyfIoUFzkhLiw_BqFIMYEYukmTd6VhEJbJS2RllaHrzn0GwuYWYstJ99jFhP0gMqKzjWVQUDdSeI$) and here (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxsLxhcuT_M__;!!Bg5easoyC-OII2vlEqY8mTBrtW-N4OJKAQ!LUiqoXFsYkgl-HVbffMt-eG1dDI969goy2-Q7uYbyfIoUFzkhLiw_BqFIMYEYukmTd6VhEJbJS2RllaHrzn0GwuYWYstJ99jFhP0gMqKzjWVxydxuLE$).
More information on the hearing can be found here (https://democrats-transportation.house.gov/committee-activity/hearings/in-the-eye-of-the-storm-oversight-of-femas-disaster-readiness-and-response).
Ranking Member Larsen:
Thank you, Subcommittee Chairman Perry and Subcommittee Ranking Member Titus, for calling today's hearing on FEMA's readiness and response to recent disasters.
The devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the Southeast and Appalachia is gut wrenching.
Over 200 individuals lost their lives to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and these storms have left over $170 billion of damage in their wakes.
Damage to water infrastructure in western North Carolina was so severe that much of the region still does not have drinkable tap water.
To aid affected communities, the Administration approved major disaster declarations for Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
The recovery will take a lot of work and we are ready to provide the resources needed.
I am grateful Representatives Edwards and Castor are here to share what they have seen on the ground in their districts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
I think they, along with the rest of Congress, agree that we must focus on passing a disaster supplemental immediately. Without funding, federal agencies including FEMA and the Small Business Administration cannot fulfill their missions and help disaster survivors.
For over a month, the Small Business Administration disaster fund has been empty. In that time, the applications of over 11,000 survivors have been approved for disaster loan assistance, but they won't receive any money until Congress makes more funding available.
This isn't a new problem. Congress has failed to approve critical long-term recovery funds for disasters in 2023 and 2024 that occurred in 21 states ranging from Alabama and Arkansas to Texas, Vermont, and Washington State.
FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund is once again approaching concerningly low levels, with less than $5 billion remaining.
Disaster survivors shouldn't be left wondering if promised disaster aid is coming. After losing everything, families should be focused on rebuilding their lives, not worrying about congressional dysfunction.
I call on the Speaker to schedule a vote for Congress to consider President Biden's $100 billion disaster supplemental request as soon as possible.
In the wake of such catastrophic disasters, it is important for Congress and FEMA to take stock of the lessons learned.
The misinformation that has circulated after recent disasters is creating barriers to recovery and putting disaster relief workers at risk.
The presence of misinformation after disasters is not new. After Hurricane Katrina, false reports of widespread looting bred chaos and led to the tragic shooting of civilians.
After the Maui wildfires, bogus claims that the federal government would steal survivors' land were widely circulated, harming those in need of assistance.
However, false rumors following Hurricane Helene, especially in North Carolina, were described by Administrator Criswell as the worst misinformation she has ever heard.
These rumors created distrust in the federal government, resulted in armed threats against FEMA workers in the field and has caused some survivors to refuse federal assistance.
The spread of misinformation on social media after disasters is increasing.
And this Committee needs to work with FEMA to find solutions that can contain this phenomenon in the future.
I am disappointed that the President-elect amplified misinformation by falsely claiming FEMA spent all of their funding on housing undocumented migrants.
He also said FEMA would only provide $750 to disaster survivors who lost everything, which, again, is false.
To set the record straight, disaster survivors may be eligible for up to $42,500 of home repair assistance and $42,500 of other needs assistance from FEMA.
Reports following Helene and Milton indicate that it is still too difficult for survivors to access FEMA assistance.
First, the lack of a universal application for federal disaster assistance means survivors may have to complete separate applications for several federal agencies to receive the assistance they are entitled to.
That is why this Committee supports Ranking Member Titus and Rep. Garret Graves' bipartisan bill to create a universal application for federal disaster assistance.
Second, I am troubled by reports that 47 percent of calls made to FEMA during the week of October 14-20 were not answered and that, of the more than 260,000 survivors that registered for FEMA assistance in North Carolina, nearly 50 percent have been denied.
Difficulty accessing FEMA assistance is not unique to this disaster. The Government Accountability Office conducted nationwide interviews about disaster responses occurring between 2016 and 2020. They found that FEMA regularly faces challenges managing its call center and field staff.
FEMA often responds to high denial rates by saying survivors can appeal their award decision. That is not an adequate response nor is it an adequate solution. Eligible survivors should only have to fill out one application for FEMA assistance.
It is this Committee's intent to make accessing FEMA aid simple and easy.
Finally, I want to thank Administrator Criswell for her service to this country as the first female FEMA Administrator and for all of the positive policies she has implemented during her tenure.
Thank you all for being here. I look forward to your testimony.
Ranking Member Titus:
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank our witnesses for joining us today, including my colleagues Reps. Edwards and Castor, whose communities are among the many that have been impacted by this year's deadly and devastating hurricane season.
As I have said time and time again, climate change and its related severe weather events have changed the disaster landscape and strained capacity for all levels of government to respond. What's more is that data shows these disasters are becoming more expensive and have a greater impact on our communities than ever before. While we still await exact figures, preliminary estimates show that the combined price tag for just Hurricanes Milton and Helene will eclipse $90 billion.
So far this year, FEMA has provided assistance for 89 Presidentially declared emergencies and major disasters including those covering hurricanes, wildfires, landslides, and tornadoes.
One of the main sources for providing support to disaster-stricken communities is FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) which funds repair and restoration of public infrastructure, supports hazard mitigation initiatives, and provides financial assistance to disaster survivors. When the program is nearing depletion, however, it enters Immediate Needs Funding (INF) which pauses all DRF-funded projects which are not life-saving operations. Since 2001, INF has been implemented ten times, the most recent being August of this year.
The current Continuing Resolution provides $20 billion in budget authority for the DRF, so FEMA is no longer operating under INF. We know, however, these funding challenges will continue as fewer than $5 billion currently remains in the DRF. That is why President Biden submitted a $100 billion supplemental request to Congress yesterday, which includes $40 billion for FEMA. Congress must pass a supplemental to sufficiently fund the DRF so FEMA can continue to support ongoing recovery efforts, as well as address those that will undoubtedly emerge in the future.
We also need to provide solutions for survivors and communities to recover more quickly and to ensure resources are being deployed fairly. One of those solutions is my Disaster Survivors Fairness Act, which I introduced with my colleagues Congressman, Garret Graves, Congressman Troy Carter, and Congresswoman Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, and has the support of my colleague Congressman Chuck Edwards who is testifying today. One of the most important aspects of this bill, which already passed this Committee unanimously at the beginning of the Congress, is simplifying the process for seeking assistance following a major disaster by creating a universal relief application across federal agencies so that we can ease the burden on families and small businesses after what might have been the worst days of their lives.
In this Committee, we have held numerous hearings on the challenges faced by FEMA's workforce, and I look forward to discussing those today. As we move forward, however, we must also acknowledge the impact misinformation has on the ability to respond to these events. I was disgusted with the ridiculous rumors that were floating around cautioning people that the government was going to bulldoze over stricken communities, seize homes, and that FEMA was diverting disaster aid to other programs. To those who permeated these claims, shame on you!
I was also outraged to learn that a FEMA employee directed her disaster survivor assistance team to skip helping homes with Trump signs. I firmly condemn that employee's decision; FEMA should never discriminate when providing disaster aid. Administrator Criswell immediately did the right thing when she learned of this incident - the employee was fired and the case referred to the Office of Special Counsel.
To my colleagues testifying today, and to Administrator Criswell, we recognize the challenges you are facing, and this committee wants to do everything it can to aid with your recovery efforts. I look forward to your testimony and I yield back.
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Original text here: https://democrats-transportation.house.gov/news/press-releases/ranking-members-larsen-titus-statements-from-hearing-on-fema-disaster-response
House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Westerman Holds Historic Roundtable With Tribal Leaders
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Arkansas, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, issued the following news release on Nov. 19, 2024:
Today, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) hosted a historic tribal roundtable with representatives of five tribes from across the nation to discuss health care, public safety and economic development issues in Indian Country.
"From the Committee's work combatting cartel crime on tribal lands in Montana to our historic trip to the remote communities of the North Slope of Alaska, the House Committee on
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Arkansas, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, issued the following news release on Nov. 19, 2024:
Today, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) hosted a historic tribal roundtable with representatives of five tribes from across the nation to discuss health care, public safety and economic development issues in Indian Country.
"From the Committee's work combatting cartel crime on tribal lands in Montana to our historic trip to the remote communities of the North Slope of Alaska, the House Committee onNatural Resources is committed to listening to and working with Indian Country. Today's roundtable is an important step in continuing our work on these issues and ensuring these communities have a voice in Washington. I want to thank the witnesses who traveled thousands of miles to be here today and my House colleagues for their thoughtful participation in today's dialogue." - House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.)
"The self-determination stories of tribal success from various states across this country provide an important path forward. Through self-determination tribal leaders have improved healthcare, built up their economic sectors, and brought about a better justice system than the federal government alone has provided. Each tribe has its own unique needs and the solutions provided locally often are far superior than a one size fits all approach. To the extent that Indian country leaders want to take on a greater role in self-governance, the federal government should not stand in the way." - Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs Chair Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.)
Background
Under Chairman Westerman's leadership, the House Committee on Natural Resources has remained committed to working with American Indians and Alaska Natives. The Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee has held hearings and advanced legislation to improve the Indian Healthcare System, investigate misconduct at a Bureau of Indian Education-operated university, improve public safety in tribal communities, unlock the economic potential of tribal lands and more. The committee remains committed to continuing this work in the 119th Congress.
The panel of members heard from five witnesses during the roundtable:
Michael Dolson, Chairman, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
Victoria Kitcheyan, Chairwoman, Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
Reid Milanovich, Chairman, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
Marshall Pierite, Chairman, Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Lousiana
Jennifer Webster, Councilwoman, Oneida Nation of Wisconsin
To learn more, click here (https://naturalresources.house.gov/issues/issue/?IssueID=5066).
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Original text here: https://naturalresources.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=416716
Connecticut Congressional Delegation Applauds Biden Administration for Heeding Calls for Ag Disaster Assistance
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- Rep. Jim Himes, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release on Nov. 18, 2024:
Today, Members of the Connecticut Congressional Delegation applauded the Biden-Harris administration for requesting a robust disaster assistance spending package that will meet the needs of Connecticut's farmers and producers. The spending request comes after the Delegation urged administration officials last week to provide emergency relief for farmers recovering from severe natural disasters.
In total, the White House requested roughly $100 billion to rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- Rep. Jim Himes, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release on Nov. 18, 2024:
Today, Members of the Connecticut Congressional Delegation applauded the Biden-Harris administration for requesting a robust disaster assistance spending package that will meet the needs of Connecticut's farmers and producers. The spending request comes after the Delegation urged administration officials last week to provide emergency relief for farmers recovering from severe natural disasters.
In total, the White House requested roughly $100 billion to rebuild after Hurricanes Helene andMilton, and severe storms nationwide, including those in Connecticut.
"Great news. The Biden administration heeded our calls and sent a robust request to Congress that will help our farmers recover from natural disasters. Many farms in Connecticut have felt the devastating consequences of these weather events. My colleagues and I in the Connecticut delegation have been leading the push for this aid, and now we will work to ensure this package gets across the finish line," said Courtney.
"I am proud that President Biden's administration is heeding our delegation's call for emergency relief for farmers in their newly announced supplemental aid request. I have visited many farms and spoken with devastated farmers and their families after droughts, floods and windstorms. Crucially, in 5 years we've lost 460 farms in Connecticut because of natural disasters and adverse markets. The additional funding requested will ensure that our farmers are being supported and our farms are being preserved. Connecticut's small farmers deserve a strong safety net," said Blumenthal.
"Farmers in Connecticut need relief now, and I'm glad the White House understands the urgency of this moment. Our delegation has pushed tirelessly for this funding, and we are committed to doing everything possible to get it across the finish line," said Murphy.
"Local growers in the Connecticut River Valley and across the state have still not been made whole after last year's severe flooding and frost cut the growing season short and put people out of work," said Larson. "Last week, Rep. Courtney and I led 38 lawmakers, including the entire Connecticut delegation, urging Congressional leadership to support direct relief for our farmers. I am thrilled by today's news that President Biden is prioritizing aid to farmers in his request for emergency disaster relief. Congress must act swiftly to pass broad disaster relief before we adjourn for the year that ensures all New England farms impacted by these disasters can access the relief they need and deserve to make up for their losses over the past two years."
"I'm grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration for requesting additional emergency disaster funding. The Connecticut delegation will continue to work with Congressional leadership to quickly secure the full amount requested and deliver it directly to the people who need it most," said Himes.
"I am glad the Biden Administration has listened to our calls to provide assistance to farmers affected by natural disasters. I have been fighting to ensure small and medium sized farmers are prioritized in relief, and that we eliminate barriers for those most in need," said DeLauro.
"I've called for emergency disaster funding for our farmers and producers in dire need of relief," said Hayes. "The Biden-Harris Administration has echoed these calls and is asking for $24 billion to help thousands recoup losses after extreme weather events. I am grateful the administration is prioritizing the needs of constituents like mine, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure emergency aid reaches those in need."
As extreme weather events continue to increase in severity and frequency, Connecticut's Congressional Delegation has been pushing year after year for more aid to help farmers recoup losses. In 2022, Members successfully secured disaster assistance and requested additional aid in 2023.
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Original text here: https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=336F27D4-2AC6-4EC0-8445-04A3413A6647
