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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement in response to the continuing resolution passed in the U.S. House of Representatives to extend the appropriations funding deadline and avert a government shutdown:
“Once again, Democrats were the adults in the room, saving the American people from a devastating government shutdown. While this wasn’t the deal I wanted, I’m happy that we secured $100 billion in disaster recovery funding, $10 billion for our farmers, and protected the National Flood Insurance Program for 400,000 policy holders in Louisiana. Keeping the government open is always a victory for the American people.
“By holding firm in our opposition yesterday, House Democrats prevented the worst parts of a bad deal. We stopped a $4.3 trillion debt ceiling increase, pushed back on Trump’s attempt to give an early Christmas gift to his billionaire donors in the form of huge tax breaks, and stopped shadow-President Elon Musk, who isn’t even elected, from playing puppet master with our democracy.
“Kicking the can down the road instead of passing a real budget is not a responsible way to govern. I hope my colleagues are finally ready to move our country forward in the new year with a FULLY funded appropriations package, one that provides for the needs of ALL Americans.”
Background
This government funding extension provides:
- $29 billion for FEMA Disaster Relief Fund which will keep FEMA running through next hurricane season.
- $12 billion for CDBG-DR funding for FY23 and FY24 declared disasters, Louisiana residents are eligible for funding from Hurricane Francine.
- $21 billion in disaster relief payments for farmers for losses caused by disasters and extreme weather events in calendar years 2023 and 2024, including droughts, floods, winter storms, freeze, excessive heat, among others.
- $10 billion for economic assistance to farmers for the 2024 crop year.
- $2.2 billion for SBA Disaster Loan Program
- $1.5 billion for USACE
- $50 million for Mississippi River & Tributaries project construction, rehabilitate, and repair. A portion of this could be eligible for use by the Morganza to the Gulf project.
- $100 million for USACE general flood control construction
- $1 billion for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including
- $399 million to acquire hurricane hunter aircraft
- $344 million to replace or repair damaged property and equipment, and
- $300 million for fisheries disaster relief
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