Aderholt Statement on Recovery Efforts 30 Days After Devastating Tornadoes Struck Alabama

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Aderholt Statement on Recovery Efforts 30 Days After Devastating Tornadoes Struck Alabama
Offers Continuing Support and Praise of Local, State, and Federal Agency Coordination and Relief Work on the Ground

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security for the House Committee on Appropriations that is responsible for funding FEMA, issued the following statement today 30 days after tornadoes swept through Alabama and the Southeast:

“As relief and recovery efforts are fully underway in Alabama, devastating tornadoes and floods continue to ravage other parts of the country,” said Aderholt. “My thoughts and prayers remain with the victims of these recent vicious natural disasters and their families.”

“Just last week I met with Governor Bentley, Alabama EMA and FEMA officials at the Joint Field Office in Birmingham to discuss the progress of the recovery efforts across the state. Although great progress is being made on the ground, there is no end in sight to the recovery work that’s being done. And as costs estimates, damage reports and disaster relief requests continue to pour in, it’s clear Alabama will be seeking the federal resources necessary to appropriately deal with the worst set of storms the state has seen in 75 years.”

“Since meeting with officials in Birmingham, disasters have continued to rage across the Midwest and the South, further confirming the strain being placed on federal disaster resources. This week, back in Washington, I put forth an amendment to the Department of Homeland Security’s Appropriations bill, providing $1 billion in supplemental emergency funds to ensure FEMA’s Disaster Relief fund remains solvent for the rest of this year and recovery efforts are not interrupted, so those affected by these horrific disasters can continue to receive assistance. I’m hopeful my colleagues will join me in supporting this measure and look forward to its final passage in both the House and the Senate in the near future.”

“We’re on the road to recovery and we’re on it together. I’m encouraged by the relief efforts that continue on the ground, as well as the coordination between all officials involved in this recovery process. And I know Alabamians strength and resiliency will see us through and will come back, better than ever,” concluded Aderholt.

Aderholt, currently serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security for the powerful House Appropriations Committee, is a member of the Committee’s Commerce, Justice and Science; and Agriculture Subcommittees, and also serves on the Helsinki Commission.

For more information about Aderholt’s work in Congress visit www.aderholt.house.gov.