Senators Perdue & Isakson fought for months to secure critical funding for Georgians recovering from Hurricane Michael

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators David Perdue (R-GA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) applaud President Donald J. Trump for quickly signing into law critical disaster relief funding for Georgia and other states impacted by hurricanes, wildfires, floods and other natural disasters. Senators Perdue and Isakson have fought for months to secure disaster funding for Georgia, which was devastated by Hurricane Michael in October 2018.

"Today, President Trump fulfilled his promise to help Georgia farmers and communities rebuild after Hurricane Michael's devastation," said Senator Perdue. "Finally, Americans who were ravaged by historic floods, wildfires, and hurricanes across 12 states have certainty for the immediate future. I want to thank Senator Isakson, Governor Brian Kemp, Commissioner Gary Black, and the entire Georgia delegation for their diligent work in getting this assistance across the finish line. While it should not have taken eight months to pass this disaster relief package, this will serve as a learning experience for both sides of the aisle. Disaster relief should never be a partisan issue. The American people need to know that we will have their backs in times of need."

"I am so grateful that the disaster relief that Georgia farmers and millions of Americans have been waiting on for so long is finally coming," said Senator Isakson. "I've spent most of this year pressing for action, and I thank President Trump and everyone who worked to see this through. I am hopeful that this aid will be expedited to reach those who need it quickly so that Georgians can get the relief they need to rebuild their lives and livelihoods."

The $19.1 billion disaster relief package includes $3 billion to provide critical agriculture disaster relief for farmers recovering in the wake of Hurricane Michael, along with additional funds for communities in Georgia and other states. The president signed the disaster relief bill today, June 6, during his trip abroad.

On May 23, Senators Perdue and Isakson secured the Senate's approval of disaster funding for Georgia, which was devastated by Hurricane Michael in October 2018. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the legislation on June 3. The president signed the disaster relief bill today, June 6, during his trip abroad.

Background:

* In October 2018, Senators Perdue and Isakson personally visited parts of Georgia devastated by Hurricane Michael with Vice President Mike Pence and pushed for immediate federal funding. After funding was not obtained by the end of 2018, Senators Perdue and Isakson twice introduced disaster relief amendments to legislative vehicles under consideration by the Senate.

* On November 29 and 30, 2018, Senators Perdue and Isakson sent two letters requesting additional funding for disaster assistance for Georgians recovering after Hurricane Michael: the first letter to Senate appropriators and the second to Senate leadership.

* On January 31, Senators Perdue and Isakson introduced a supplemental agriculture disaster relief amendment to provide critical funding for Georgia and other states recovering from recent hurricane and wildfire damage.

* On February 13, Senators Perdue and Isakson joined 11 other bipartisan senators in sending a letter to House and Senate leadership urging immediate action on a supplemental disaster relief package.

* On February 26, Senators Perdue and Isakson led Senators Doug Jones (D-AL), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Thom Tillis R-NC) in introducing a $13.6 billion disaster relief package with the backing of President Trump after prior funding attempts were removed from other supplemental spending packages.

* On April 1, the Senate took votes on two amendments that would have provided funding for Georgia and other disasters, and both pieces of legislation failed to receive the necessary 60 votes to move forward.

* On April 30, Senators Perdue and Isakson led a press conference with Senators Doug Jones (D-AL), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) to continue their push for disaster aid funding and call on action by Congress.

* On May 8, Senators Perdue and Isakson sent a letter along with Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), John Cornyn (R-TX), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Rick Scott (R-FL), Richard Burr (R-NC), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Ted Cruz (R-TX), requesting the swift release of HUD Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program funds to aid Georgia and other states.

* On May 14, $34.88 million in funding was announced for Georgia infrastructure recovery by the HUD's Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program, which was previously appropriated by Congress to respond to the 2018 natural disasters.

Read this original document at: https://www.perdue.senate.gov/news/press-releases/disaster-aid-funding-signed-into-law-by-president-trump