Fleming Supports Recovery Efforts in Louisiana

Press Release

Congressman John Fleming, M.D. released the following statement after the President visited affected areas of Louisiana.

"Our hearts and our prayers go out to those who have been devastated by this storm. Louisiana has been hard hit yet again, and we must act quickly to get people back on their feet," Fleming said.

The President noted in his address that FEMA is not requesting additional federal funds at this time to respond to the recent flooding in Louisiana.

Several publications have criticized Louisiana lawmakers for voting against final passage of Hurricane Sandy relief in 2013, while supporting federal disaster relief for Louisiana. However, the response to Hurricane Sandy came in two parts: a $17 billion disaster response bill and a $33.7 billion longer-term spending amendment. Only 38 Republicans supported the longer-term spending amendment, which included items like:

$12 billion for grants to 47 states and Puerto Rico for long-term development projects. Congressman McClintock (R-CA) offered an amendment to strike that funding, but the amendment was blocked by the Rules Committee.

$1.55 million for upgrading the emergency generator backup system at the National Conservation Training Center in West Virginia. Congressman Fleming offered an amendment to strike that unrelated funding, but the amendment was blocked by the Rules Committee.

$3 million for relocating undamaged roads in unspecified wildlife refuges. Congressman Fleming offered an amendment to strike that unrelated funding, but the amendment was blocked by the Rules Committee.

Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers (R-KY) noted in a press release: "This amendment includes funding for longer-term recovery efforts and infrastructure improvements that will help prevent damage caused by future disasters, and will receive a separate vote when the bill is considered on the House floor." By its very nature, the amendment did not contain emergency spending, with 80% of the spending occurring in Fiscal Year 2015 and beyond. However, it was added by House Democrats and 38 Republicans because the Democrat Senate led by Harry Reid (D-NV) threatened to oppose any spending bill that was less than the President's original request of $50.7 billion.

After the longer-term amendment was adopted by a vote of 228-192 (38 Republicans and 190 Democrats voting in favor, 190 Republicans and 2 Democrats voting against), the combined $50.7 billion bill was passed by a vote of 241-180 (49 Republicans and 192 Democrats voting in favor, 179 Republicans and 1 Democrat voting against). The bill then passed the Senate by a vote of 62-36 and was signed into law by President Obama.

"I support the appropriate use of federal funds to help when disaster strikes. However, unlike the $50.7 billion relief package we voted on for Sandy in 2013, disaster funds must go directly to needed areas with no added pork. It's important to note that the President's original request included $100 million for the federal Head Start day care program, the President's climate change projects, TV tourism ads, and roof repairs at the Smithsonian. It's these kind of political games that caused 179 House Republicans to vote against the Sandy bill, including members of the Louisiana Congressional delegation.

"With more than 60,000 households affected, is is critical that federal emergency spending augments the immediate needs for shelters, meals, medications, and initial clean up efforts. Emergencies are not the time and place for extra spending. Funds must go directly to the emergency at hand."

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