WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement on the request by the Biden-Harris Administration for supplemental disaster assistance funding in the wake of recent extreme weather events nationwide – including flash flooding in Connecticut on August 18, 2024.
“Today, President Biden sent to Congress an emergency funding request to provide $98.6 billion in relief to those impacted by weather events and natural disasters.
It has been more than two years since Congress passed disaster relief funding. Since then, Connecticut has repeatedly been impacted by extreme weather which has damaged homes, destroyed crops, devastated businesses, and left many without power.
I have long supported additional disaster relief funding to help the Fifth District recover from extreme weather events and am grateful the Biden-Harris Administration is elevating this request.”
The request the Administration has sent to Congress includes:
- $40 billion in funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Relief Fund
- $24 billion for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support farmers impacted by severe weather.
- $12 billion for Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery funding.
- $8 billion to rebuild, repair, and reconstruct Federal-aid highways, bridges, and federally-owned roads.
- $4 billion to improve system performance and mitigate future damage from natural disasters
Furthermore, the request asks for funds for health care services, economic development, small businesses, educational institutions, and energy recovery efforts. These programs have directly benefited communities, businesses, and farmers in the Fifth District, and additional funding is crucial as we continue to recover.
On its own, existing federal aid is rarely enough to help communities recover from extreme weather. Congresswoman Hayes has been vocal in advocating for increased federal aid for the Fifth District
In September, Congresswoman Hayes helped secure a major disaster declaration from President Biden that opened up increased aid for those impacted by the August flooding.
In November, Congresswoman Hayes signed a letter to the Administration and Congressional leaders emphasizing the need for disaster relief for farmers.