Rep. Meeks Supports Disaster Relief for Hurricane Harvey Victims

Rep. Meeks Supports Disaster Relief for Hurricane Harvey Victims

Washington, DC – Congressman Gregory W. Meeks joined 418 of his colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass a bill that includes over $7 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Disaster Relief Fund and $450 million toward the Small Business Administration's disaster loan program. These funds will help communities that were effected by Hurricane Harvey begin the recovery process. Congressman Meeks, whose district was severely hit by Superstorm Sandy, released the following statement:

"My heart goes out to Americans who are recovering from Hurricane Harvey. My district was ravaged by Superstorm Sandy five years ago so I understand the toll severe storms can have on families and communities. From our experience in New York, I also understand that recovery will not be an overnight process. Recovery will require Congressional support well after our body passes an initial disaster aid bill.

"Although I was very disappointed in some of my Republican colleagues' lack of support for my district after Sandy, moving forward, I hope that we can work in a bipartisan way to better invest in storm mitigation efforts, restore individuals effected by natural disasters, and rebuild communities. Coming to the aid of Americans during such vulnerable times should always be bipartisan, and not an ideological issue."

Congressman Meeks, a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, is engaged in conversations to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program, and has advocated for increased investments in flood mitigation so communities can better withstand severe storms.