The proposals are intended to expedite aid and regulatory adjustments to support storm-ravaged Southern states.
Two bills have been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to support disaster relief efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and other Southern states. Led by Representative Virginia Foxx of North Carolina, the legislation follows with an October 3rd letter from 14 House members urging President Biden and key Cabinet officials to ease regulatory hurdles for recovery efforts.
The proposed Disaster Recovery and Resilience Act of 2024 seeks to amend the Stafford Act and allow low bidders for federal disaster work to receive contracts without adhering to certain union-backed payment terms. It also authorizes the president to establish an Emergency Recovery Board with the authority to suspend regulations that may delay reconstruction.
The second piece of legislation, the Helene Recovery Support Act, would allocate $12.5 billion to FEMA, $1.5 billion to the Small Business Administration, and $1 billion to the New Markets Tax Credit while withdrawing $15 billion from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp.
Hurricane Helene led to 231 deaths across the Southern states, with 102 of the fatalities occurring in North Carolina. Helene is the fourth deadliest Atlantic hurricane in nearly 70 years. North Carolina, which received 30 inches of rain during the storm, has had 292 road closures due to Helene.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For discernment for Representative Foxx and her colleagues as they pursue emergency recovery funding for the impacted states.
- For the governors and local leaders as they head recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Sources: Just the News, The Center Square
