Senator Tillis Urges Vote on CR for Disaster Relief Amidst Government Shutdown

Hurricane Helene's Devastating Impact

• 🌀 Hurricane Helene caused unprecedented damage in western North Carolina one year ago, impacting an area equivalent to the size of Massachusetts.
• 🌊 The hurricane led to historic 100-year flood levels in a dozen river basins, causing tremendous damage and loss of life.
• 💔 In North Carolina alone, the storm resulted in 108 deaths, over 250 deaths nationally, $59.6 billion in damages, and destroyed 74,000 homes and 5,000 miles of roads.
• 🚧 Major infrastructure like I-40, I-26, and the Blue Ridge Parkway were severely damaged, with many bridges destroyed and some areas still struggling with basic services like drinkable water.

FEMA Disaster Relief Fund Shortages

• 📉 The FEMA disaster relief fund is critically low, with a current balance of $1.4 billion, which is insufficient given the increasing number of major disaster declarations.
• ⚠️ In 2024, there have already been 90 FEMA-declared major disasters, nearly double the 30-year average, straining the fund's resources.
• 🆘 FEMA lacks the necessary funding to respond to current and potential future disasters, leaving communities in a "shutdown posture."

Call for a Continuing Resolution (CR)

• 🗳️ Senator Tillis urges Democrats to vote for a Continuing Resolution (CR) that includes $22.5 billion for the FEMA disaster relief fund.
• 🚫 The current government shutdown is preventing the release of these crucial funds, exacerbating the suffering of disaster victims.
• 🤝 Tillis emphasizes that this is a simple CR to maintain current funding levels, not a complex bill, and is essential for aiding communities affected by disasters.
• 🗣️ He highlights that the shutdown is hurting people in North Carolina and across the country, and calls for bipartisan cooperation to fund the government and support disaster recovery efforts.