Lucille Roybal-Allard: “There is no question that this supplemental funding is needed, and needed quickly. When the response to Harvey began in…”

“There is no question that this supplemental funding is needed, and needed quickly. When the response to Harvey began in late August, the major disaster account of the disaster relief fund had approximately $2 billion available. The response to this catastrophe, however, is costing close to $200 million per day. This means that despite the recent $1 billion increase into this account, FEMA could run out of money at any time. Therefore, the enactment of the additional $7.4 billion for the disaster relief fund in this supplemental is critical to help meet FEMA's immediate operational needs for Hurricane Harvey, and to allow for the resumption of recovery payments for prior disasters such as Sandy. The supplemental would also provide a small reserve to ensure that FEMA can begin responding to Hurricane Irma, or any other new disaster that occurs between now and September 30, 2017. It is important to note, however, that if there is significant damage from Irma, FEMA will quickly need either an additional reprogramming of money, a second supplemental appropriation, or both. I applaud the majority for quickly bringing the supplemental package to the floor with the emergency designations.”