Rep. Boozman Votes to Allocate Billions More for Hurricane Relief
Rep. Boozman Votes to Allocate Billions More for Hurricane Relief
Congressman urges Arkansans to continue to support victims
Washington, Sep 8 -
U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today joined an overwhelming majority of his colleagues to approve $51.8 billion in additional emergency spending to support relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. This money comes on the heels of the $10.5 billion Congress approved last week.
H.R. 3673, the "Second Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act to Meet Immediate Needs Arising From the Consequences of Hurricane Katrina," passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 410-11.
"The floodwaters may have subsided in New Orleans, but the need for help has not. In fact, with each day, we are seeing how truly devastated parts of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi are. It is imperative that we give our Gulf Coast neighbors the resources they need to fund the recovery and rebuilding process," said Boozman.
The U.S. House of Representatives has spent the week focusing on Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. In addition to passing the additional funding measure, the House also acted to remove some of the red tape that prevented those in need of receiving welfare and other aid quickly; to give FEMA the authority to borrow more money if necessary for the national flood insurance program; to get the federal court system in affected areas back up; and to ensure that students who are forced to withdraw from college because of the hurricane aren't forced to repay their student aid, grants and scholarships.
Thousands of people have been displaced and are in shelters in a number of states, including Arkansas. Strategic housing planning is underway to address expected continued sheltering and eventual housing needs.
Boozman reiterated how Arkansans can support the relief efforts.
"I again urge you to help support the relief effort in anyway. Cash donations are at the top of the list for needs, as are blood donations. As the relief effort moves toward recovery, volunteers will be needed as well. Please open your hearts to our neighbors and help them through this extremely difficult time in our history," said Boozman.
For those individuals looking for ways to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina; please refer to the follow organizations as listed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
http://www.boozman.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentID=33936