Sessions Supports Tax Relief for Hurricane Victims

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 -- Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, issued the following news release:

U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX), Chairman of the House Committee on Rules, released the following statement after the passage of a measure to provide tax relief for those impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, make pro-consumer flood insurance reforms, and extend the funding of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund:

"In the past month, millions of Americans have had their homes destroyed, communities ravaged, and lives upended because of three catastrophic natural disasters. As our neighbors continue to deal with their loss and devastation, earlier this week Democrats decided to play politics and block this necessary bill from passing the House through expedited measures. These American families have lost everything, and for Democrats to try to politicize a package that gives them the relief that they need is simply unconscionable. When the first storm wreaked havoc in my home state of Texas, I saw an overwhelming outpouring of love and support, I didn't see anyone trying to play politics as the floods rushed down I-45 and families in Houston were being rescued from their roofs by strangers who had gone down to lend a hand. It is disgraceful to think that just because the water has dried and the streets are clear that our friends across the aisle would use this as a political bargaining chip. It's not. These are real people, real Americans, who have lost everything.

"I stand with my fellow Americans and I have vowed to offer my prayers and my help to ensure that they can get back on their feet. This is just the beginning of the relief efforts, but every bit helps. Today's package includes tax changes to provide immediate relief to our neighbors in Texas, Florida, Georgia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. In addition, it includes pro-consumer flood insurance reforms that passed the House with unanimous support last year. I am proud that House Republicans took the initiative to pass this necessary effort to help our neighbors in need and I will continue to work with my colleagues to rebuild these communities and make them stronger than ever."

To learn more about H.R. 3823, Disaster Tax Relief and Airport and Airway Extension Act, click here (http://house.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=87e7035c198b81d5cf7f74fb7&id=d75f61c831&e=23175b2525).