Rep. Buchanan Issues Statement in Support of Disaster Aid

WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 -- Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., issued the following statement:

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Congressman Vern Buchanan today issued the following statement in support of the administration's request for emergency disaster relief funding to help the victims of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.

"Floridians are hurting and this funding will help them get back on their feet," Buchanan said. "I support bringing a relief package to the House floor as quickly as possible."

The White House's request includes nearly $13 billion for disaster recovery and $15 billion to shore up the government-backed flood insurance program.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is on the verge of running out of money as it faces a high number of claims from storm victims. Without congressional action, the NFIP is expected to run out of cash the week of October 23. As of January, there were approximately 1.8 million flood insurance policyholders in Florida - accounting for nearly 40 percent of the nationwide total.

Buchanan is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and serves as the co-chair of the bipartisan Florida congressional delegation.