Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) issued a statement Monday calling on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to reconvene the Senate as soon as damage assessments from Hurricane Helene are completed.
Scott urged the Senate to vote on a supplemental aid package to support recovery efforts once federal, state, and local officials determine the funding needs.
Scott has been in constant communication with federal officials, local leaders, and emergency management personnel throughout Florida, ensuring communities impacted by Hurricane Helene have the resources they need for recovery. He also encouraged Floridians seeking assistance from federal agencies such as FEMA or the Small Business Administration (SBA) to contact his office for help.
Read: Florida Gov. DeSantis Provides Updates On Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts
“Since Category 4 Hurricane Helene made its devastating landfall in the Big Bend and caused massive and destructive storm surge along hundreds of miles of Florida’s Gulf Coast, I have been traveling to impacted communities to survey damage and coordinate resources between the local, state and federal governments. What I have seen, from the catastrophic damage in Cedar Key, to the massive destruction caused by unprecedented storm surge in communities from Fort Myers Beach to Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island and north to Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties is heartbreaking,” said Scott.
Scott emphasized the importance of passing a clean disaster funding bill once FEMA and SBA complete their damage assessments. He also highlighted his efforts to push for the passage of the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act to aid families and businesses in affected areas.
Read: Beyond Asheville: Widespread Devastation in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene
Following the storm, Senator Scott visited several impacted counties, receiving briefings on recovery efforts from local law enforcement and emergency management officials. On Saturday, after Scott and Senator Marco Rubio called for swift federal action, President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida, enabling access to federal aid.
Senator Scott continues to encourage Floridians in need of assistance to contact his office for help with federal agencies, including FEMA and the SBA. More resources can be found on his website or through the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
For more information on Hurricane Helene response and recovery, visit www.rickscott.senate.gov/hurricane-season-resources.
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