Fortenberry statement on passage of disaster assistance package

(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) made the following statement today on the House passage of the disaster assistance package. 

“I am pleased that the House has passed this funding bill so that assistance can soon reach the individuals, communities, and military installations, such as Offutt, in need of this relief.  This is great news for Nebraskans and others who have been affected by natural disasters in recent months.  Clearly, much more work and funding is necessary, but this legislation is a meaningful step forward as we continue the flood recovery efforts.”

The final version of the disaster relief bill includes a number of provisions that are of particular importance to Nebraska.  “I worked with my colleagues to add funds to the military operations and maintenance account with the intentionality that as much as $120 million will go to the immediate cleanup and operational needs of Offutt Air Force Base,” Fortenberry said.  “I also helped to provide additional funds for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program to restore scarred lands and infrastructure.  This important relief for our nation’s environmental security will reshape eroded stream banks, repair water control structures, fix levees, and restore conservation priorities,” Fortenberry added.  Among other items, the legislation also provides funds for emergency conservation projects on farms, levee repairs, and highway reconstruction. 

 Fortenberry said, “Nebraskans are resilient, determined, and generous.  This federal assistance will help accelerate the recovery work of communities and individuals and allow Nebraska to remain strong.”

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry is the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration and a Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations.