Recognizing the Impact of the Impending Government Shutdown

Floor Speech

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Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the impact of the impending government shutdown on communities in my district that are experiencing the worst flash flooding since Hurricane Ida, which killed more than 40 people across the state. As we are in the middle of House Republican infighting that is jeopardizing the ability to keep the government open, our federal government's ability to serve the American people is threatened. Essential services from government agencies and employees pay will be affected as many face furlough and uncertainty about retroactive pay. In New York State, the Governor and Mayor have declared a state of emergency, but they cannot look to the federal government at a time when funding is uncertain.

Right now, in New York City, highways are closed, vehicles are stranded, subway trains have stalled, utility infrastructure is flooded and damaged, and many New Yorkers on the way to work and school have had their daily routines severely impacted. At a time like this we look to the federal government for resources, but Congress has not passed legislation to replenish the FEMA disaster relief fund, which is the primary pot of money the agency uses to respond to storms. Republicans refusing to work with Democrats and pass a clean Continuing Resolution are failing to support communities recovering from disasters during hurricane season. The Continuing Resolution Republicans have proposed hurts FEMA's readiness by neglecting the pressing need for additional disaster relief funds to address existing shortfalls and prepare for unforeseen future disasters. Due to climate change, storms have intensified and become more frequent across the country resulting in a record number of billion-dollar disasters to date. The importance of the FEMA disaster relief fund cannot be understated and the ability to deploy resources and funds by keeping the federal government open is even more critical.

Constituents in my district in Brooklyn and Queens living in single family homes and public housing complexes will be dealing with the impact of intense flash flooding for days after the storm passes. My constituents deserve a functioning government, not a shutdown. As communities vulnerable to flooding continue to bear the brunt of climate change, a government shutdown will leave New Yorkers and state and local government without critical assistance. Republican's refusal to fund the government will wreak havoc on New York's ability to recover from these floods in the days and months to come.

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