Deborah Koff Ross: “next week we will recognize the 1-year anniversary since Hurricane Helene plowed a path of destruction across western…”

“next week we will recognize the 1-year anniversary since Hurricane Helene plowed a path of destruction across western North Carolina. In August, I had the chance to visit and hear directly from several affected communities. Time and time again, I heard the same thing. They need more Federal support, and they need it faster. We are lucky to have the steady leadership of Governor Stein guiding the recovery effort, but the Federal Government needs to do its part, too. Unfortunately, the Trump administration continues to slow down the Federal relief process. That is why I am calling on the President to slash the red tape that is holding back critical assistance that was appropriated last year for our State. Mr. Speaker, Congress also has a critical role to play. We need to replenish the disaster relief fund and immediately pass Governor Stein's request for additional Helene recovery funding. We can't abandon western North Carolina.”