Florida Democrats Condemn House Republicans' Delay of Disaster Funds to Panhandle

Since May 24, Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), and Rep. John Rose (R-Tenn.) have each blocked votes to move ahead a $19.1 billion disaster aid package for the Florida Panhandle, Puerto Rico, and other areas in the United States hit by natural disasters. Their objections have forced a procedural 10-day delay.

Terrie Rizzo, chair of the Florida Democratic Party, condemned House Republicans actions to delay funding:

“The actions by Donald Trump’s henchmen in Congress to delay disaster relief to Florida are unconscionable. Hurricane Michael was one of the largest Hurricanes to make landfall in decades and seven months after record destruction, Floridians still don’t have access to food, water, or permanent housing. American citizens don’t need more delays, they need resources to begin to rebuild their homes and their lives. It is time for Republicans to stop inflicting damage on our communities, and it is time to provide disaster relief, now!”