Washington, DC– Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) voted in support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 601 – the READ Act – which provides emergency funding for Harvey Relief and provides government funding and borrowing authority until December 8th, 2017.
“This important legislation provides needed disaster relief as well as government funding while we finish our appropriations bills in the House,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. ““Thousands and thousands of families across Texas were devastated by Hurricane Harvey, and the local response from our district has been overwhelming. The federal government needs to provide disaster relief for situations like this, and as Hurricane Irma moves closer to the United States, it’s important that Congress signals that we will support relief from these devastating natural disasters.”
This legislation passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 316-90.
Senate Amendment to the House-Passed Hurricane Supplemental
Hurricane Supplemental
- The emergency supplemental appropriation provides $15.25 billion in emergency funding for the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to fund the initial response and recovery efforts following Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
- $7.4 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) within FEMA will provide critical funding to assist the ongoing federal response to hurricanes and continue life-saving response and recovery efforts.
- The DRF provides assistance to states and localities for emergency protection, debris removal, repair and restoration of public infrastructure, and financial assistance to eligible disaster survivors.
- $450 million for SBA's Disaster Loan Program to assist small businesses and homeowners.
- The SBA program provides low-interest loans which, in a declared disaster, can be used to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, and inventory and business assets.
- $7.4 billion for Community Development Block Grants through HUD for disaster relief, recovery, and restoration of infrastructure and housing in disaster areas.
Continuing Resolution
The legislation also continues to fund the government through December 8, 2017.
- Allows the Disaster Relief Fund spending flexibility to accommodate Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, and other ongoing disaster response efforts.
- The legislation also extends the National Flood Insurance Program through December 8, 2017.
- Additional anomalies are included to ensure continued authorization and funding for certain programs through the duration of the Continuing Resolution.
Debt Limit
- The legislation extends the debt limit through December 8, 2017.
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