Congresswoman Horn Votes For Bipartisan Disaster Relief Bill

Statement

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congresswoman Kendra Horn voted Monday to help Americans get back on their feet after natural disasters. The House passed H.R. 2157 with an overwhelmingly bipartisan majority. This bill helps people recovering from recent tornadoes, flooding, hurricanes and forest fires. Monday's vote occurred after a small group of members used political games to delay it by a week.

The bill authorizes $19.1 billion for disaster recovery. It includes more than $4 billion to help farmers and ranchers cover their losses and help them recover their land. It provides more than $3 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers to repair damages to critical infrastructure and to study how we can make our existing infrastructure more resilient, especially against floods.

"Oklahomans are no strangers to natural disasters wreaking havoc," Congresswoman Horn said. "We know what emergencies look like and how important relief like this is. Over the past two weeks alone, we experienced tornadoes and flooding across our state."

Six Oklahomans died in the recent storms, and more than 100 people reported injuries, according to the assistance request Gov. Kevin Stitt's office submitted. More than 300 homes have been destroyed, and thousands have sustained damage. A dozen counties have implemented evacuations.

The House passed this bipartisan bill last month 257-150. The Senate made amendments, passed it 85-8 and sent it back to the House for consideration. The House could have passed the bill last week, but several Republican members objected three times.

"We have neighbors across the country from all backgrounds in need of assistance," Congresswoman Horn said. "Mother Nature doesn't discriminate by party, and we shouldn't either. I'm glad we were able to pass this important legislation and get people the help they need. That's exactly what this bill does."

Source