President Obama and his Democrat-controlled Senate are putting our country at risk, especially when it comes to the current lack of funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA. In order to ensure FEMA has necessary funds, today Congressman John Carter (R-TX31), Chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, introduced the National Emergency and Disaster Recovery Act. The legislation was quickly passed by the House of Representatives and will provide immediate funding for FEMA if the Senate and President agree to accept it.

“At this very moment, dedicated men and women at FEMA are preparing for the possible landfall of Tropical Storm Karen along our Gulf Coast, but they are not being paid,” said Chairman Carter. “This is a major storm that myself and many across this country are taking seriously but it is clear our President is not. This bill would ensure, despite the President’s unwillingness to work towards an overall solution to end this damaging government shutdown, FEMA can fully render assistance to impacted States and fully support our citizens and brave first responders."

Chairman Carter notes that the FEMA legislation ensures the nation and our states are fully supported when in need of federal assistance but without increasing the rate of spending.

“This bill before us today is about getting our priorities right. It is my hope that passage of this bill will not only support our Nation’s emergency preparedness, but also lead to a re-opening of the entire Federal government,” said Chairman Carter. “I urge my friends on the other side of the aisle to lower their partisan blinders, come to the table, and work out the current impasse so that we can get on with the business of fixing our Nation’s budgetary mess.”

To watch Chairman Carter speak on behalf of his bill H.J. Res. 85, National Emergency and Disaster Recovery Act, click here.