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Jones fights for assistance for hurricane victims
Story Date: 9/14/2011
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Source: PRESS RELEASE, 9/13/11
Today U.S. Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) and the bipartisan House Hurricane Irene Coalition, of which Jones is a co-chair, called on House leaders to quickly move legislation to provide critical disaster assistance funding for victims of recent natural disasters, including Hurricane Irene. At a Capitol Hill press conference this afternoon, Jones and Coalition members outlined the scope of damage to their congressional districts, the recovery efforts underway, and the need for urgent action by Congress to ensure federal resources are available for victims.
In a letter to House Speaker John Boehner and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi sent today, Coalition Members urged the House leadership to ensure FEMA has the funds it needs to pay for recovery efforts in states affected by Hurricane Irene. The White House has estimated the federal cost of Hurricane Irene to be $1.5 billion, but FEMA only has $484 million left for Fiscal Year 2011 to pay recovery costs for Irene and all other federally declared disasters over the past year. The letter was signed by 28 Democrats and 12 Republicans.
“It is imperative that taxpaying citizens have the resources they need to get back in their feet when they need it,” said Jones.
The Hurricane Irene Coalition is a bipartisan group of Members whose districts were affected by the storm. It has two purposes: First, to ensure FEMA has the resources it needs to support the recovery effort. Second, to work with FEMA and other federal agencies to support recovery efforts in their districts.
The full text of the letter is copied below.
Dear Speaker Boehner and Democratic Leader Pelosi,
As members of the Hurricane Irene Coalition, we respectfully request your leadership in ensuring FEMA and the other federal agencies involved in the relief and recovery efforts have the funds necessary to fulfill their mission in response to Hurricane Irene.
Early estimates put the cost of Irene in the billions. Relentless rain, flooding and wind devastated our communities and took the lives of at least 44 people in 13 states. Meanwhile, the costs of flooding from Tropical Storm Lee are just beginning to mount.
While our constituents are working to get back on their feet, they cannot do it alone. Please provide funding that ensures the swift recovery of the families, farms, businesses in our districts.
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