Sens. Portman, Tillis Introduce Legislation to Replenish Disaster Relief Fund to Continue $300 Enhanced Federal UI Benefit

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, issued the following news release on Sept. 18:

Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced legislation to replenish FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) to continue the enhanced federal unemployment insurance benefit of $300 per week authorized by President Trump's executive action and provide additional resources to support the federal government's response to historic wildfires in the West and other natural disasters such as Hurricane Sally. This legislation would appropriate $86.6 billion to the DRF for these purposes, designated as emergency funding, through November 21, 2020.

The CARES Act appropriated $45 billion to the DRF, of which $44 billion has been obligated to cover six weeks-worth of lost wages assistance per state. The Lost Wages Assistance program provided $300 per week to complement each state's unemployment insurance benefit. Once each state uses its appropriated six weeks' worth of funding, the DRF will have less than what FEMA said would be necessary to fight natural disasters. Furthermore, since the DRF is currently funding ongoing COVID-19 support and both hurricane and wildfire season are ongoing, ensuring there is appropriate levels of funding in the DRF is crucial. Portman and Tillis introduced the legislation today so that it is available on the Senate calendar for consideration next week.

"Before Congress adjourns for the election, the House and Senate should act to replenish FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund. This is a vital lifeline for those impacted by natural disasters like the ongoing wildfires on our west coast and Hurricane Sally, Hurricane Laura, and those that are yet to come this season. Thanks to the president's executive action, this fund is also ensuring that Americans who lost their job through no fault of their own can make ends meet," said Senator Portman. "If Congress cannot come together to negotiate another COVID-19 response package, then at the very least we must act to extend these enhanced federal unemployment benefits and help those impacted by the recent wildfires and natural disasters. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation."

"FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund is playing a critical role in supporting Americans who have lost their job due to COVID-19 in addition to those battling ongoing wildfires in the western United States and deadly hurricanes in the eastern United States," said Senator Tillis. "Congress must ensure this important lifeline has sufficient funds to assist those in need, and I am proud to co-introduce this legislation with Senator Portman to replenish the Disaster Relief Fund."