This week the U.S. Senate will consider a $36.5 billion package of aid recovery funds that passed 353-69 in the U.S. House of Representatives last week.
U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, whose 8th Congressional District includes The Woodlands and neighboring communities, says it’s critical that more money be made available for FEMA and the flood insurance program, money that will directly impact residents recovering from Harvey.
“This includes $15 billion of new funding for Texas at a time when FEMA is running out of money and so is the claims program for people with flood insurance,” he tells Newsradio 740 KTRH. “And there is another $4 billion for FEMA disaster relief for those people who need housing assistance, home repairs, and debris removal. To start helping communities repair roads, do utility work and repair schools. For us, this was a critical move.”
Congress approved a $15 billion aid package last month but that was before Hurricane Maria decimated Puerto Rico and wildfires ravaged northern California, adding additional strain to the budgets of agencies including FEMA tasked with aiding in recovery efforts.
Brady says this won’t satisfy long term needs, but will address immediate concerns. “Since I led the Hurricane Rita Recovery, I know what kind of comprehensive plan the state of Texas needs. As soon as we get that I think we can make the case for that bigger and long-term recovery package.”