Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer for SBP Disaster Resilience and Recovery for Vulnerable Communities
Congressional funding for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund has turned into a political football at the worst possible moment for survivors. Dozens of organizations have called on Congress to return to Washington. On Monday, I joined Mornings with Maria to talk about this and to share SBP’s perspective on what it will take to build a more resilient future for Gulf coast communities. I hope you’ll give it a watch and tell me what I missed. In the meantime, here are a few facts about long-term recovery resources and another action Congress can take to help: 1. Despite the well documented frustrations with FEMA assistance - It is worth noting that FEMA only provides resources for immediate and urgent needs. 2. The most significant long-term recovery assistance that vulnerable communities can hope to receive comes from Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the form of CDBG-DR grants. 3. Unfortunately, appropriation for CDBG-DR grants also take a literal act of Congress - which hasn’t happened since the middle of 2023. Even after the appropriation, planning and implementation take more time (months/years) to address needs of survivors 4. S.1686 - Reforming Disaster Recovery Act is a bipartisan bill before Congress that would permanently authorize CDBG-DR. SBP supports this bill. 5. The bill would effectively remove 6-12 months from the recovery process for the most vulnerable American survivors. Most importantly, passing S.1686 would allow the most significant resources to flow more quickly without turning disaster recovery resources into a political football. Helene and Milton (and Idalia and Maui wildfire) survivors need more and deserve better.
Great job. I can't see anything missed at all. My only comment is some of those watching won't understand the terminology. I'd like to help more on the issue of codifying CDBG-DR grants. As noted, Congress has not appropriated for Maui Fires of August of 2023. Hoping to get this tax bill done and dive into the Schatz - Hyde-Smith bipartisan bill. Thank you for voicing sanity and explaining process! https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-calls-on-congress-to-pass-long-term-disaster-relief-funding-for-maui-other-impacted-communities-nationwide
Fred Jackson
2mo
I agree that it should codify natural disasters and not use the funds for supporting illegal immigration.
Nicely done. would have been great especially since you were on Fox, to make the climate change connection and the need to reduce heat trapping emissions as a critical part of the solution.
Amy E. Bennett
2mo
Nice job buddy
Steve Hagerty
2mo
Nice job!
Senior Deputy Director at Texas General Land Office
2moI wish the bill would codify a disaster recovery program versus providing more CDBG money. I’m not convinced it really saves time with the additional requirements it comes with.