WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) successfully pushed House Leadership to include disaster relief funding in the end of year spending package, which funds the government through March 2025 and passed the House of Representatives today.
The bill includes more than $100 billion to refill the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) coffers, fund the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) disaster loan program, bring financial relief to farmers and foresters, and repair highways and roads, among other priorities.
“Hurricane Helene devastated GA-01, and everywhere I go in the district I hear stories from people who lost their home or business and have been completely hung out to dry,” said Rep. Carter. “Fully funding FEMA and SBA’s disaster relief funds, along with getting financial assistance for Georgia’s number one industry, agriculture, was my top priority in this package. I am thrilled that leadership listened to states impacted by what has been a devastating hurricane season and is bringing relief to South Georgia.”
Highlights from the bill include:
$31 billion in natural disaster aid for farmers,
$29 billion for the FEMA fund,
$12 billion through the Housing and Urban Development Department’s Community Development Block Grant program,
$8 billion to repair federal highways and roads,
$356.5 million for Emergency Forest Restoration Program,
$10 billion in economic assistance for farmers,
$3.3 billion in state and tribal grants for water infrastructure, and
$2.2 billion through the SBA’s disaster loan program.
