Press Releases

On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3672 with an overwhelming, bipartisan majority to make supplemental appropriations for disaster relief requirements related to Hurricane Harvey. The legislation provides an overall appropriation of $7.85 billion in emergency supplemental funding for FY17 and will cover the disaster declaration for Texas and the emergency declaration for Louisiana.

The bill appropriates $7.4 billion to the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and will support immediate response activities and damage incurred from Hurricane Harvey. The remaining amount, $450 million, will be appropriated to the Small Business Administration to support disaster loan programs to assist affected small businesses and homeowners.

Rep. Johnson released the following statement:

“In times of great challenge, Americans cast aside their differences and come together, resilient and stronger than ever before. The response to Hurricane Harvey was no exception. In the midst of tragedy, we saw great heroism, kindness and love. Race, gender, political background – none of it mattered. We were, and remain, Americans first and foremost. 

“And in that same spirit, Congress came together to ensure those affected by this horrific storm will have the resources needed to recover quickly and completely. While many are still reeling in the aftermath of this disaster, one thing is certain. There is hope. We are with you, we are praying, and we stand ready to assist in the recovery ahead. I encourage the Senate to act swiftly and avoid playing politics with the provisions in these emergency funds.”