After months of waiting for help, Georgians devastated by Hurricane Michael last October got good news Thursday when the U.S. Senate passed a long-awaited bipartisan disaster aid package after reaching a last-minute deal with President Donald Trump.
In an 85-8 vote, the Senate approved a multi-billion dollar disaster aid bill which will assist states devastated by wildfires, hurricanes and flooding, comes after months of roadblocks. Members of the Georgia delegation in Washington have working to secure relief funding for Georgia and other states impacted by hurricanes, wildfires, floods and other natural disasters.
“Georgia farmers and millions of Americans have been hurting for far too long as they waited for this desperately needed relief, and I’m glad that the Senate has now voted to get it done,” said U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA). “I’ve spent most of this year pressing the need for action with everyone who would listen, working together with colleagues from more than 12 states, and I thank everyone who is putting partisan politics aside to see this through. I hope that it will be quickly signed into law.”
The $19.1 billion disaster relief package includes $3 billion to provide critical agriculture disaster relief for farmers recovering in the wake of Hurricane Michael, along with additional funds for communities in Georgia and other states. Next, the House must act on the measure before it can be signed into law.
“President Trump has broken through the gridlock to get disaster relief across the finish line. Finally, farmers in Georgia are closer than ever to getting the assistance they desperately need after Hurricane Michael,” said Sen. David Perdue (R-GA). “This bipartisan package is a major win for our agriculture communities in the Southeast. It’s a win for families and businesses who were devastated by floods, wildfires, and historic hurricanes across 12 states, Puerto Rico, and the Mariana Islands. This is also a win for the people of Puerto Rico who the president has consistently helped. However, the fact that it took eight months to find common ground on a disaster relief package is an absolute embarrassment. I hope the U.S. House will move swiftly and deliver this bill to the president’s desk. The American people need to know we have their backs.”
Georgia Congressmen Austin Scott (R-GA-08) and Sanford Bishop (D-GA-02) praised the Senators for their actions, and vowed to work to get the package through the House.
“I applaud the Senate for finally passing H.R. 2157! I look forward to the House passing and President Donald J. Trump signing this essential bill to provide much-needed relief for all those directly affected by Hurricane Michael and other natural disasters across the country. Those impacted have their patience stretched thin and cannot wait any longer for disaster assistance,” said Bishop.
“Earlier today, the Senate passed a disaster assistance package for our American farm families impacted by natural disasters, including Hurricane Michael,” said Scott. “This package is much-needed relief and contains language that I have fought for which will help farmers, ranchers, and our pecan, timber, and seasonal fruit and vegetable producers that have been devastated from the disasters. I will continue fighting for our farmers as this package comes before the House and urge leadership to swiftly pass it and send it to the President’s desk.”
House lawmakers have already left for recess, but the chamber could still pass it quickly through unanimous consent.
