Rothfus Supports Improving Efficiency of Disaster Relief
Jan 15, 2013
Press Release
Will work to pursue better solutions to budget and pay for disaster relief
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Keith Rothfus [PA-12] made the following statement after the House approved H.R. 219, the Sandy Recovery and Improvement Act, and H.R. 152, the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act.
“Yesterday, I voted to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Federal government’s response to natural disasters. Today, I had hoped to vote for legislation that would both provide relief and make a down payment on the additional spending.”
“Unfortunately, the package voted on today results in another $50 billion borrowed from our kids and grandkids. Moving forward, I will work with my colleagues to craft better ways to budget and pay for future natural disaster relief.”
The Sandy Recovery and Improvement Act, which Rep. Rothfus voted for, passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. This bill will help local governments deliver aid more efficiently and at a lower cost by streamlining Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) programs.
The Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, H.R. 152, passed the House tonight by a vote of 241-180. Rep. Rothfus supported an amendment offered by Rep. Mick Mulvaney [SC-5] that would have helped offset the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act. Despite bipartisan support to begin paying for this necessary spending, the amendment did not receive the 218 votes required for passage.