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Cole Praises House Passage of Disaster Relief Funding

June 4, 2019

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement this week after the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation providing $19.1 billion for disaster relief. This supplemental funding package includes aid in response to numerous natural disasters across the nation.

"Communities hit by hurricanes, wildfires, tornados and other natural disasters have been waiting too long for relief," said Cole. "I am encouraged that the House acted to provide critical aid for states in desperate need, including many communities affected in my own state of Oklahoma. There is still a long road ahead for recovery efforts and rebuilding damaged infrastructure, but passage of this aid package marks a vital step forward.

"However, I am disappointed that funding is missing to deal with the humanitarian and security crisis at our southern border. The federal government is apprehending more than 100,000 illegal aliens at the southern border every month. In addition, it is providing support for the unprecedented influx of unaccompanied minors. President Trump has requested more than $4 billion to deal with these issues. Unfortunately, House and Senate Democrats have so far refused to appropriate a single dollar to address these pressing challenges.

"While Democrats claim they care about the livelihood of this vulnerable population, they won't approve the funds required to appropriately feed, house, clothe and provide for medical care. If we don't act soon, it's not a matter of if but when money will run out, leading to a catastrophic humanitarian disaster."

Ahead of passage yesterday, Cole made remarks on the House floor. Video is available here.