Madeleine Dean: “For 2 weeks we have watched brutal, orange flames engulf homes, leaving ash and heartache in their wake for both rich…”

“For 2 weeks we have watched brutal, orange flames engulf homes, leaving ash and heartache in their wake for both rich and poor southern Californians. Four months ago, North Carolina confronted horrifying destruction from Hurricane Helene. While we can never put all the pieces back together and we can never replace all that has been taken by fire or flood, we as lawmakers have a duty to ensure the American people can rebuild. Disaster relief is a lifeline. Disaster relief through FEMA, started by President Carter, gets food, water, power, and shelter to survivors. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida in my State, my home county of Montgomery County received more than $30 million for cleanup and repair. Even so, 3\1/2\ years later claims hang in limbo. Some families still cannot return home. FEMA is working nonstop to support victims in more than 100 disasters. As these natural disasters become more and more frequent, we pray for these communities. Yet faith without works is dead. We must commit to fully funding FEMA and the extraordinary work they do with no strings attached. That is what it is to be Americans. ____________________”