The hard-line conservative House Freedom Caucus opposed the “no-pay” disaster relief bill in a public statement Wednesday, pleading “not to pay the Biden administration another penny.”
In a statement Wednesday night, the caucus urged colleagues not to pass “a $100 billion unfunded disaster relief funding bill,” saying Democrats would use the bill “to solidify their own unrelated priorities.” accused of being
“The House of Representatives will consider only what is absolutely necessary now to provide emergency relief to hurricane victims and farmers, pay for it by offsetting other wasteful spending in government, and make disaster relief more affordable.” We should wait until President Trump takes office to properly manage it.”
The statement came after caucus members said they spoke with Chairman Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) this week about the need for offsets for disaster relief.
Rep. Ralph Norman (R.S.C.), a member of his caucus, said of his recent meeting with Mr. Johnson, “He listened because we have so much to cut.'' . We'll see what he does.” He added, “He had different ideas. [doing] pay. Now is the time. ”
“76 million people voted for Trump,” Norman said Wednesday before the caucus's official statement. “The message is clear: We're not doing it now and we're not going to do it again.”
Lawmakers on both sides have been working in recent weeks on bipartisan emergency legislation to provide disaster relief in the wake of the devastating damage caused by Hurricanes Helen and Milton.
Bipartisan talks began to pick up steam last month after the Biden administration asked Congress for nearly $100 billion in disaster relief, as officials warned of declining funding and recent additions.
Negotiators on both sides said this week that talks remain ongoing to reach a top-line deal, although some prominent Republicans have said a “decisive” response is needed.
“My friends across the aisle, I disagree with you on many points, but when Americans are in trouble, the federal government has a responsibility to help,” said Tom, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. I agree,” he said. Cole (R-Okla.) said Tuesday.
“So we're trying to figure out how to properly use what's been proposed,” Cole said. “If it saves money, that’s great, but the No. 1 job here is to make sure we save the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, and the Southeast in general, and other areas that aren’t being taken care of. ”
Lawmakers hope the agreement on the disaster aid bill will be included in a stopgap funding plan that Congress aims to pass in the coming weeks to avoid a government shutdown before Christmas.
