Before becoming a U.S. Congressman, Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) was known as the “Master of Disaster,” as the former Emergency Management Director of Florida. Now, the Florida Representative has introduced the Disaster Relief Fund Replenishment Act to secure that the nation can properly respond to major natural disasters.
Currently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) is set to be completely out of funding in August – which, Floridians know – is right in the middle of hurricane season.
The Disaster Relief Fund Replenishment Act would provide the necessary funding to protect Floridians and Americans across the country during and after natural catastrophes.
“As the former Emergency Management Director for Florida, I’m especially concerned with the financial state of FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund. We have to be proactive. We know this fund is going to run out. How can FEMA operate if we are always being reactionary? FEMA provides life-saving resources to areas impacted by disasters all around the nation,” stated Rep. Moskowitz.
He would go on to mention that this issue “cannot be politicized.”
“Emergency management cannot be politicized and should always be prioritized. I’m encouraged to see there is still bipartisan interest in solving this problem and I look forward to working together to get the appropriate funding to the Disaster Relief Fund,” said Rep. Moskowitz.
The bill would provide $11.5 million in supplemental funding before the DRF is penniless.
Moreover, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the Senate companion version of the legislation. However, he believes that this looming problem lies at the feet of President Joe Biden (D) and his administration.
Sen. Rubio’s press release stated that the Biden administration failed to ensure that programs like the DRF are funded and prepared for situations like hurricane season.
“Congress cannot allow the Biden Administration to use disaster funding as a bargaining chip, doing so puts countless vulnerable communities at risk. Our communities deserve better than this. It’s time for Congress to act and provide FEMA with the funding they need for disaster relief,” stated Sen. Rubio.
Moreover, Senator Rick Scott (R-FL), a co-sponsor of the bill, stated that the Disaster Relief Fund Replenishment Act will guarantee that the federal government holds up its end of the bargain.
“Floridians know that responding to natural disasters is a team effort, which requires every level of government to be ready to assist families in need at a moment’s notice. This good bill will ensure the federal government can uphold its obligation to quickly deploy emergency funding and resources to communities and Americans impacted by natural disasters,” said Sen. Scott.
Sen. Scott has reaffirmed that he will not jump in the presidential race and is staying focused on his senatorial reelection campaign. Sen. Rubio has not made a definitive decision, stating “timing is everything in life.”
