The terrible devastation from tornadoes in Oklahoma is only the latest reminder that the federal government must be prepared to help American families affected by natural disasters.
Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, today issued the following statement on the 2014 Homeland Security Appropriations Act:
"The terrible devastation from tornadoes in Oklahoma is only the latest reminder that the federal government must be prepared to help American families affected by natural disasters. Just as Americans were there for New Yorkers affected by Superstorm Sandy, we will all meet our responsibilities to help Oklahomans recover and rebuild.
"I am pleased this bill provides $1.5 billion for FEMA State and Local Grants, which were underfunded in the President's budget request; continues the Securing the Cities program to prevent radiological or nuclear attacks; prioritizes high-risk areas in grant programs; and makes needed investments in cybersecurity.
"I look forward to working with Chairman Rogers and all my colleagues to keep this bill free of poison pill policy riders as it moves toward enactment.
"While I am pleased this bill's allocation has not suffered as a result of this committee's impracticable 302(a) allocation, this Committee is on a dangerous track. The majority should produce Appropriations bills reflecting the spending level to which Democrats and Republicans agreed in the Budget Control Act of 2011 - not senseless sequestration cuts that put critical services and investments at risk."
Source: U.S. Department of HCA
