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Scott Joins Group of Bipartisan Senators to Introduce Major Disaster Relief Package

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-SC), David Perdue (R-GA), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Doug Jones (D-AL), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) today introduced a bipartisan disaster relief package with the backing of President Donald J. Trump. President Trump, working with this bipartisan group of senators, has confirmed his support for disaster relief and encouraged Congress to pass legislation with funding for South Carolina and other states that are recovering from recent hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters.

“It’s well past time for Congress to move forward with this much needed disaster funding,” said Senator Tim Scott. “Thanks to my colleague Senator Perdue for leading the charge, and I hope we see a vote in the immediate future.”

“In October, President Trump and Vice President Pence both saw the devastation of Hurricane Michael firsthand and promised farmers they would have their backs. In pushing for this disaster relief bill, the President is fulfilling that promise,” said Senator Perdue, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “Now, it is up to Congress to follow through and pass this critical, bipartisan bill. Our farmers and rural communities cannot wait any longer for disaster relief. For some Georgia farmers, the timing of assistance will determine whether they put a crop in the ground ever again.”

This bipartisan funding package includes:

  • Approximately $13.6 billion in overall relief efforts to all those affected. 
  • Critical agriculture disaster relief for farmers recovering in the wake of Hurricane Michael and other natural disasters across the country.
  • Development grants for small, rural communities impacted by natural disasters in 2018.
  • Assistance for veterans’ health facilities, and military construction projects devastated by Hurricane Michael.  
  • Emergency funds for critical timber, watershed, and wastewater infrastructure needs.
  • Restoration of highways, aviation facilities, and other transit projects damaged by natural disasters.
  • Additional $600 million in nutrition assistance for Puerto Rico in response to President Trump’s disaster declaration.

Click here for text of the bipartisan disaster relief package.

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