NTU urges all Representatives to vote “No” on H.R. 4667, the disaster supplemental appropriations bill. This legislation would appropriate $81 billion in emergency spending to help recovery efforts related to recent natural disasters.
While it may be appropriate for Congress to provide carefully targeted assistance to individuals and communities that have been damaged by unforeseen storms and fires, NTU is concerned that the $81 billion included in this bill is far out of line with the administration’s emergency request of $44 billion. This year, Congress has already spent over $59 billion outside of the normal appropriations process. Additional funds are necessary, but should be expended judiciously and in a fiscally responsible manner.
Furthermore, NTU is particularly concerned that this legislation includes new aid to cotton producers, even if they have not been affected by natural disasters.These are issues that should be considered when developing the next farm bill, not rushed through as part of disaster relief legislation. And while lawmakers have proposed reforms to federal flood programs as well as more financial accountability mechanisms for Puerto Rico, these can and should have been considered in standalone form rather than tacked onto problematic legislation.
Congress should act to help those negatively impacted by natural disasters, but it must do so in a careful and fiscally responsible manner.
Roll call votes on H.R. 4667 will be included in our annual Rating of Congress and a “No” vote will be considered the pro-taxpayer position.
If you have any questions, please contact NTU Executive Vice President Brandon Arnold at (703) 299-8665