DeLauro Renews Call for Comprehensive Emergency Disaster Supplemental

WASHINGTON — In light of recent false claims, House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) released the following statement reiterating the need for a comprehensive disaster relief package:

“For the last year, House Democrats have consistently called for a comprehensive emergency supplemental in response to a number of disasters, from wildfires and flooding to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

“The government funding bill enacted last week directed $20 billion to the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund. While this provides immediate relief, it is far short of what we fought for and what we know will be needed for the entirety of fiscal year 2025. That is why when the House passed last week’s bill, I stated:

‘We must provide the critical disaster assistance that so many communities across this country are in desperate need of, including both natural disasters and the dramatic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland.’

“The devastating flooding from Hurricane Helene further highlights the fact that it is far past time for Speaker Johnson to agree to a comprehensive disaster package that helps individuals, small businesses, and communities fully recover. The $20 billion in last week’s bill ensures that FEMA has sufficient resources for immediate response and recovery efforts due to Helene, but it is a far cry from what communities will ultimately need.

“It is also contemptible that former President Trump has continued to spread vile, anti-immigrant lies about FEMA assistance. FEMA has made clear that ‘disaster response efforts and individual assistance is funded through the Disaster Relief Fund, which is a dedicated fund for disaster efforts. Disaster Relief Fund money has not been diverted to other, non-disaster related efforts.’”

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