09.27.11

Statement of Senator John Hoeven on U.S. Senate Passage of a CR to Continue Funding the U.S. Government

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after last night’s passage in the U.S. Senate of a continuing resolution to fund the U.S. government through Nov. 18:

“Last night, the U.S. Senate passed a continuing resolution that will ensure the continued operation of the federal government through November 18. The measure also includes $2.65 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Fiscal Year 2012 to continue recovery efforts following natural disasters in North Dakota and elsewhere across the country. The resolution also takes into consideration FEMA’s disclosure yesterday that the agency has adequate funding for the rest of Fiscal Year 2011, which ends on Friday, September 30.

“Clearly, there is bipartisan agreement that we will need more disaster assistance funding next fiscal year to address flooding in North Dakota, as well as disasters in other states. At the same time, in light of the nation’s severe deficit and debt, we believe we must prioritize our needs and work to find savings to cover the cost.

“Throughout the spring and summer, we have worked hard to secure additional disaster assistance in this and in other measures before the U.S. Senate, and will continue that effort between now and November 19, when a permanent appropriation measure for the year must be put in place.

 

“Two weeks ago, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, on which I serve, approved $6 billion for FEMA disaster relief programs. Last week, the committee approved a $400 million measure that I along with Senator Roy Blunt introduced to fund Community Development Block Grants to help Americans recovering from recent natural disasters, including the residents of North Dakota.

 

“The committee also approved $2 billion in Emergency Roads Assistance funding, which will help communities throughout North Dakota repair roads and other transportation infrastructure damaged from flooding.

 

“These are important steps, but we must continue to do everything possible to help North Dakotans in the recovery effort.”