Washington, DC—Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today voted for H.R. 2266, which provides more than $36 billion in emergency federal aid to address the devastation caused by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and the wildfires spreading across the west coast.

This bill allocates $18.7 billion for Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund to assist communities with repairs and medical treatment, and $16 billion in debt forgiveness for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to ensure NFIP is able to assist families harmed by the hurricanes. With this funding, FEMA can provide immediate emergency response and relief for U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands still managing a humanitarian crisis.

“Our government has a responsibility to take care of its citizens and provide emergency services to those in need. Millions of Americans in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are enduring a humanitarian crisis where many still lack access to basic necessities they need to survive, like power, clean water, food, and medicine. Without these basics, it’s difficult to begin to think about what will be needed to rebuild their communities.

“Following pleas from Congress, the U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are finally getting the emergency aid they so desperately need with this critical funding for disaster relief, community loans, flood insurance debt forgiveness, and food assistance programs. The funding also provides crucial support for combatting the wildfires devastating California.



“This emergency relief is a long overdue, first-step in helping our fellow Americans following devastating natural disasters, but it’s not enough. I will continue to fight for additional emergency funds that will be necessary to ensure that all in need are receiving aid, and to provide assistance as the difficult process of rebuilding begins,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.

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