WASHINGTON, DC – House Appropriations Ranking Member Kay Granger (R-TX) praised the passage of a much-needed disaster relief bill through the House of Representatives, which is now on its way to the President for signature. Granger was a lead negotiator of this bill, providing $19.1 billion in disaster assistance for more than 40 states and territories, including the state of Texas.
“Over the past few years, natural disasters have devastated communities throughout my home state of Texas and the nation. These areas, including military bases and farmland, are in dire need of assistance to return to full operations,” said Granger. “This supplemental appropriations bill is a positive step forward for our communities - Texas in particular.
“Fortunately, the objections raised over the past two weeks on the bill have been overcome, and now that disaster relief is on its way, I hope Congress will now turn to addressing the security and humanitarian crisis at our southern border.”
The measure provides significant assistance to Texas:
- $4.1 billion in Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery money for Hurricane Harvey is made available because of language in the bill;
- $21 million in remaining needs after 2018 flooding in Hidalgo County;
- Funds for Texas to be reimbursed for eligible roads and highways damaged by Hurricane Harvey;
- $13 million to restore storm-damaged watersheds and pay for floodplain easements; and
- $1 million to restore farmlands and ranchlands affected by the 2018 storms, as well as funding for 2019 damage by tornadoes and flooding.
See here for Granger’s remarks during floor debate.
See here for a one-page document on the bill.
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