Lowey Statement on Disaster Supplemental Request

October 4, 2017

Contact: Matt Dennis 202-225-3481

Lowey Statement on Disaster Supplemental Request

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, today issued the following statement on President Trump's request for $29 billion in emergency disaster relief, flood insurance assistance, and emergency wildfire funding:

"I am pleased President Trump has requested $29 billion for emergency disaster relief, flood insurance assistance, and to replenish federal firefighting accounts. Yet far more will be necessary in areas affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.

"We know enough already about the scale of the damage to warrant investing now in medium and long term relief in Texas, Florida, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Congress should add to this request by appropriating funding for flexible Community Development Block Grants; rebuilding coastlines, roads, transit systems, airports, ports, and other infrastructure; small business loans; and repairs to military installations and other federal facilities damaged in the storms. Such investments played critical roles in rebuilding from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy, and we owe no less to the victims in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

"I look forward to working with the majority and the Administration to ensure Congress acts quickly to provide the disaster relief and rebuilding assistance that is urgently needed."

Matt Dennis

Communications Director

House Appropriations Committee, Democrats

202-225-3481

202-480-5995 (mobile)