WSLS 10 - Rep. Hurt Says Federal Budget Cuts Could Help with Irene Relief

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By Jarret Henshaw

As 5th District Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Chatham) toured a free dental clinic in Martinsville on Tuesday, the victims of hurricane Irene were still on his mind. That's especially true for Brunswick County, which is part of his district. One man was killed when a tree fell on his car when he was in it.

"My thoughts and prayers go out to that family, and all those who've been adversely affected," said Rep. Hurt.

The Congressman pushed for FEMA assistance for the tornadoes of earlier this year, which included Pulaski County, Washington County, and also Halifax County which is in his district.

Hurt says he's going to reach out to his contacts again, to try to get some kind of assistance for victims of these disasters.

Hurt believes Congress should make spending cuts to the federal budget, to free up money to help the Commonwealth and other states with disaster relief.

"There's spending taking place in Washington that can be used to offset the much more important needs of the people that have been affected by this storm," said Hurt.

When interviewing politicians, they often talk in generalities and don't give specific examples. When I pushed Hurt further on what he would cut, Hurt gave a straight answer.

"Oh good gracious, I've been up there six month and the list is so long. Start with the regulatory agencies, whether it's the Environmental Protection Agency, or it is the National Labor Relations Board," said Hurt.

Hurt says the Republican stance for a balanced budget would cut into the deficit, and make it easier to pay for Irene's wreckage.

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