Political Quotes

“Mr. President, reserving the right to object, as chairman of the committee of jurisdiction, I have reached out to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for its views, and the Agency opposes this legislation. According to the Agency: FEMA has spent more than $432 million on . . . [the Transitional Shelter Assistance program], and provided rental assistance to more than 25,000 TSA participant families to help them find permanent housing solutions. [Ninety-seven] percent of those enrolled in the program have successfully transitioned to more permanent housing. The remaining households in [the Transitional Shelter Assistance program] have either received rental or repair assistance from FEMA; have a habitable home with utilities on; or are not eligible for additional FEMA housing assistance. Federal, state, and voluntary organization partners will continue to provide assistance through disaster case management to those who still require long-term solutions. Again, as the chairman of the committee with oversight and jurisdiction over FEMA, I really do believe it is important to support FEMA's objection to this. For those reasons, I object. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard. The Senator from Florida.”