Senator Murray Chairs Hearing on Disaster Funding Needs, Underscores It’s Time for Congress to Deliver Relief

11.20.24

WATCH and READ : Senator Murray's opening remarks

WATCH: Senator Murray questions agency heads about disaster needs

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, chaired a hearing on disaster relief needs across the country and underscored that Congress needs to finalize and pass a bipartisan disaster package before the end of the year. On Monday, President Biden submitted an updated request to Congress for additional disaster relief resources.

At the hearing, Senators Jon Ossoff and Thom Tillis testified about how Hurricanes Helene and Milton have devastated their states and the urgent need for additional support to recover and rebuild. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) Isabel Guzman, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small, Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Adrianne Todman, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell testified about ongoing disaster relief efforts and funding needs across the country.

"There are still communities without power and clean drinking water. There are miles and miles of roads and bridges still washed away. Families are wondering how will they be able to return home if their house is gone. Farmers are wondering how can they recover from the loss of crops, poultry, and more. Business owners are wondering how will they ever reopen their doors. More than that: how will the entire city rebuild?" said Senator Murray. "People are desperate for answers. Desperate for help. Desperate for hope. They are looking to Congress for action. We cannot let them down. Not now. Not ever. That's why it is so important we come together to pass a bipartisan supplemental that meets these challenges."

Senator Murray noted that it is already one of the longest stretches in memory that Congress has failed to deliver disaster relief-and reiterated that further delay cannot be an option.

"When disaster strikes, it should never matter who is in the White House, who is in the majority, which governor is asking for support, or how anyone voted in the last election or on the last bill. As I have said before: you don't argue over whether to put out a fire, you don't debate how much water to use or how many people to save. You roll up your sleeves, get to work, and get help out the door-as much as needed, as fast as possible. Right now, there are a lot of people in our country needing help," said Senator Murray. "And yet, this is one of the longest times in my memory that we have gone without Congress providing disaster funding. That is unacceptable. It is well past time we get aid out to the many people in need, after the many disasters we have faced over the past two years."

"I want to underscore that delay is not harmless. It carries its own cost, one that families and communities will be forced to bear for years: businesses shuttered and jobs lost, family farms bankrupt, houses overtaken by water damage and mold, communities unable to return, rebuild, and reopen, families forced to abandon the houses and communities they love, because they can't afford to stay, not to mention: people forced by desperation and necessity to take out predatory and high-interest loans," continued Senator Murray.

Senator Murray asked Secretary Buttigieg about the impacts of Congress continuing to delay in providing disaster relief, stating: "DOT has provided $187 million in 'quick release' for states hit by Hurricane Helene to address some of the urgent repairs and ensure the safety of the traveling public. That was a critical immediate step, and I understand the Department has less than $120 million remaining for that Emergency Relief program. If we failed to act quickly, what happens if another hurricane or winter storm hits?"

In response Secretary Buttigieg said, in part: "In short, we would be unable to say yes, either in full or in part, to those quick release requests. We work to turn those around in a matter of hours when possible, and we have been able to say yes to 100% of those quick release requests." Noting that just $119.6 million remains in total for the Federal Highway Administration's Emergency Relief program, Secretary Buttigieg stated that: "Very quickly, we would be simply unable to support any of those disasters."

Senator Murray asked SBA Administrator Guzman to discuss what the recent lapse in funding for SBA disaster loans has meant for disaster survivors, stating: "In 2024 and 2025, SBA received over 280,000 applications from disaster survivors. That number, I understand, is expected to increase in the coming weeks, and meanwhile, the SBA disaster loan program has been unable to originate new loans for more than 35 days, and 60,000 renters, homeowners, and businesses remain stuck in the backlog now. Talk to us about the impact of this lapse on disaster survivors and explain why we need to provide that funding now."

Administrator Guzman replied, in part: "SBA provides that support for those who don't have insurance or are underinsured. In addition, these are people who do not have credit elsewhere. And so these constituents are faced with higher cost of capital, or no capital access at all, to be able to rebuild their lives. And so with delays, this further impacts them. As I said, I have nearly a billion dollars sitting there waiting to deploy as soon as I get funding, plus the additional 48,000 applications that we are still processing."

Senator Murray also asked FEMA Administrator Criswell about the spread of misinformation and disinformation and cautioned that: "I know in the past, we've seen administrations attempt to withhold disaster funding from states and communities that were affected by some of these devastating disasters. I do think I speak for every member of this committee when I say the spread of disinformation and any efforts by anyone to withhold funds Congress has appropriated for the purpose of assisting communities in their time of need will not be tolerated, whether it comes in the form of a front line worker or the highest levels of government."

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