Martin Heinrich: “our Nation has experienced a series of recent natural disasters: the tragic Maui wildfires, flooding in Vermont and…”

“our Nation has experienced a series of recent natural disasters: the tragic Maui wildfires, flooding in Vermont and California, and the damage caused by Hurricane Idalia. Communities in my home State of New Mexico have been impacted by destructive floods and mudslides following last year's historic wildfire season. We must get these Americans the help they need during these difficult times, and we must do it as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, this bill would do the opposite. On Friday, the Biden administration announced that producers impacted by disasters last year are now eligible to apply for critical emergency assistance. H.R. 662 would delay that funding, essentially stopping the application process that the U.S. Department of Agriculture just got underway. In addition, the administration already has the authority under law to provide funding to States through block grants. So this bill is both counterproductive and unnecessary. For these reasons, I would urge my colleagues to vote no. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will read the title of the bill for the third time. The amendment was ordered to be engrossed and the bill to be read a third time. The bill was read the third time. Vote on H.R. 662 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The bill having been read the third time, the question is, Shall the bill pass?”