For the third time in two weeks, the House failed to pass an aid package for communities impacted by recent disasters, leaving survivors without the assistance they need to recover.
Though the Senate approved the $19.1 billion disaster supplemental by a wide margin on May 23, the House failed to pass the legislation prior to the start of the Memorial Day congressional recess. Attempts have been made periodically throughout the recess to pass the legislation by unanimous consent during “pro forma” sessions. The first attempt on the morning of May 24 was blocked by Representative Chip Moore (R-TX). The second attempt on May 28 was blocked by Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY). And the latest attempt came on May 30, but it was blocked yet again, this time by Representative John Rose (R-TN). Although the package is expected to pass as soon as a full vote can be held in the coming days, members of Congress from disaster-impacted communities have expressed their frustration. Representative Kay Granger (R-TX), the top Republican on the Appropriations Committee, called the move “a political stunt,” and Senator David Perdue (R-GA) said that the obstruction “is yet another example of politicians putting their own self interest ahead of the national interest.”
NLIHC urges Congress to immediately pass a disaster aid package that provides resources for all impacted communities.
Read the bill at: https://bit.ly/2Wl1jio