Yesterday, U.S. Representative Tom Marino (R-PA) voted in favor of H.R. 41, to temporarily increase the borrowing authority of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and provide flood relief to the victims of Hurricane Sandy. The legislation, introduced by Representative Scott Garrett of New Jersey, authorizes the National Flood Insurance Program to borrow up to $9.7 billion.
"Today we passed a bill that will offer immediate relief to the victims of Hurricane Sandy. It is our duty to make sure those who have suffered losses and damages to their property in the wake of this disaster are made whole again," said Marino. "The people of my district have now withstood the destruction of three major storms in less than 18 months and federal assistance has been critical to the rebuilding and recovery process."
"Even though the funding we just authorized includes $9.7 billion in aid, the President is calling for Congress to spend over $60 billion on measures that exceed far beyond the scope of emergency disaster assistance. It is unfortunate that these tactics are the norm in Washington. We need to take serious steps to ensure lawmakers and the American people are well-informed on the bills that Congress is considering and we need to end the practice of including measures that are not relevant to the stated intent of a bill. For these reasons, I will reintroduce my One Subject at a Time Act which requires that any legislation considered in the House of Representatives consist of only one subject that is clearly and descriptively expressed in the title of the bill. Providing aid to Hurricane Sandy victims, or any victims of a major disaster, should not become a vehicle for the pet projects of Washington politicians."