Federal Disaster Responsibility Act proposed in the Senate to separate funding for states from additional support for Ukraine.
Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio of Florida introduced the Federal Disaster Responsibility Act. The bill would separate the $16.5 billion proposed disaster relief from the $44 billion additional aid proposed for Ukraine. States such as Hawaii, Florida, California, Illinois, and Ohio have experienced disasters that have strained state budgets and require federal financial assistance.
Senator Scott said that part of the job of the federal government “is to help its citizens in the time of need. I’m disappointed by an administration that… wants to try to attach help for Americans to Ukraine aid.” He added, “I think we ought to be focusing on American aid first, before we talk about aid to a foreign country.”
Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois said she would block the bill to separate federal aid for American victims of disasters from the administration’s proposal for aid to Ukraine.
The White House press secretary indicated that President Biden would not want to consider aid to American communities and aid to Ukraine as two separate bills. Both, she said, were “vital, important government programs that need to be funded.”
Senator Rubio stated, “President Biden is holding Floridians and other Americans hostage by tying critical domestic disaster relief to foreign military aid.”
The funds for FEMA are reportedly low at this time, potentially reducing the agency’s ability to respond to crises.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of the Senate as they consider the option of separate funding bills for disaster assistance and aid to Ukraine.
- For the president and officials in his administration while they continue to pledge funding and equipment to Ukraine.
- For the Lord to work out His purposes in the United States and in the world.
Sources: Daily Signal, Washington Post
