While Senate Minority Leader Plays Politics, Ohio Search & Rescue Team Heads to Florida to Help With Hurricane Matthew

Statement

As Ohio Task Force One deploys to Lakeland, Florida today to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) once again expressed his disappointment that Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) blocked Senate passage of a non-controversial bill designed to support America's search & rescue teams that respond so bravely to these types of national emergencies. Considering the bill's strong bipartisan support, including Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, Portman released the following statement urging his colleagues to take up the legislation upon their return to Washington:

"Brave Ohioans are heading into the hurricane-affected areas of Florida today and the bill that would guarantee their jobs when they return has yet to be passed due to the petty partisan politics of Harry Reid. The private citizens who are risking their lives to help their fellow citizens deserve more from the Minority Leader. I strongly urge my colleagues to pass this bipartisan, non-controversial bill as soon as the Senate reconvenes in November."

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