Congressman Cole Votes for Emergency Funds for Katrina Relief

Congressman Cole Votes for Emergency Funds for Katrina Relief
September 8, 2005

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole voted today for a $51.8 billion supplemental appropriation package for immediate needs arising from the consequences of Hurricane Katrina. H.R. 3673 provides $50 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), $1.4 billion for the Department of Defense and $400 million for the Army Corps of Engineers to repair damaged infrastructure.

"Hurricane Katrina is the most devastating storm in our nation's history, hundreds of thousands of people's lives have been altered. With this supplemental, Congress is showing its commitment to stand behind those affected by this storm every step of the way, no matter what the cost," Congressman Tom Cole said.

H.R. 3673 includes reporting and accountability provisions to allow Congress to conduct oversight over the expenditure of taxpayer dollars. The bill requires the Chief of Engineers of the Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Homeland Security to provide the Appropriations Committee a weekly report which details the allocation and obligation of the emergency funds. In addition, $15 million is provided within existing funds for the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security to monitor the disaster expenditures by FEMA and other relevant agencies.

"We have added provisions to this legislation that ensure that the funds allocated will be spent in the most efficient manner. The Americans hurt by this disaster are in great need and we should not tolerate waste and abuse with these funds," Congressman Tom Cole said.