Rep. Olson Issues Statement on Budget Agreement

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9 -- Rep. Pete Olson, R-Texas, issued the following statement in response to Congress passing the Bipartisan Budget Act, which includes $90 billion funding for disaster relief:

"This funding for disasters like Hurricane Harvey, which happened last August, is long overdue and critically needed.

"In passing this funding, Congress took an important step in to helping Texans impacted by this devastating storm recover.

"I want to thank my Texas colleagues and our House and Senate leadership for getting this desperately needed funding across the finish line."

Highlights of disaster funding in the Bipartisan Budget Act:

Makes Almost $90 Billion in Disaster Relief Available for Those Recovering from Hurricanes:

* Ensures Texas will have increased access to Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds

* Ensures that $15 billion of U.S. Army Corps funding will go directly towards construction in high priority areas impacted by flooding

* Provides flexibility to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to allow them to carry out necessary projects in Texas

Extends Children's Health Insurance Program Long-Term:

* Extends the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) an additional four years beyond the six-year reauthorization passed into law earlier this year

Authorizes Additional Funding for Community Health Centers:

* Reauthorizes the Community Health Center Program for two years and appropriates $60 million for Community Health Centers to support construction, equipment purchase, operational support, and other projects

Invests in Texas Service Members and Veterans:

* Unwinds sequestration cuts hampering our defense efforts

* Reduces backlog at the Veterans Administration