Clyburn Statement Following Meeting with Governor Blanco

Statement

Clyburn Statement Following Meeting with Governor Blanco

House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn released the statement below following a meeting with the House Democratic Leadership and Louisana Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco.

"Democrats have demonstrated in the six short months we've been in the majority that we're committed to helping the region rebuild. Democrats approved $6.4 billion in the emergency supplemental which was signed into law by the president in May to help the Gulf Coast Region Rebuild. The funding provides assistance for levee reconstruction and coastal restoration, fishery and farming disaster assistance, assistance for schools to rebuild and hire and retain more teachers, assistance for communities to bolster their police force, firefighters and emergency responders.

"In addition, the supplemental included a provision which waives the local funding match requirements under the Stafford Act, allowing thousands of reconstruction projects to get under way. This honors the commitment we made to the citizens of the region when we visited on the anniversary of the Hurricane. In addition, we've passed a comprehensive housing bill that addresses public housing, rental and low-income housing needs. Senators Landrieu and Dodd are introducing a companion bill this week in the Senate.

"Democrats are committed to helping the region rebuild. We're aware of the Road Home program shortfalls, which we discussed at today's meeting. We have asked the state for a commitment of $1.5 billion out of their state surpluses before we can consider federal funding. We also noted that there is $1.2 billion in a comprehensive housing bill, HR 1227, crafted by Chairwoman Maxine Waters and $375 million in Chairman Barney Frank's GSE housing reform bill, HR 1427, to address housing needs in Louisiana. However, when allocating federal dollars we must ensure there's a system of accountability and efficiency in place. We will continue to talk about the Governor's proposal and discuss options on how best to remedy the housing crisis in Louisiana.

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