Senator Jon Ossoff condemned the Trump administration’s decision to deny Georgia’s request for an extension of hurricane relief following Hurricane Helene. The storm caused substantial damage and financial losses for farmers across several states. Ossoff and fellow Senator Warnock urged for a reversal of the administration’s decision to support ongoing cleanup efforts in Georgia.
United States Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) expressed strong discontent with the Trump administration’s refusal to extend hurricane relief for Georgia following Hurricane Helene. In January, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp appealed to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to prolong the reimbursement eligibility for local governments dealing with cleanup costs. Both Senator Ossoff and Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) supported this request; however, the administration denied the extension last Wednesday.
Hurricane Helene, which occurred in October, caused significant damage throughout the South, leading to flooding, downed trees, and a tragic loss of at least 34 lives in Georgia. The estimated financial toll on farmers and agribusinesses affected by the hurricane ranges over $10 billion across multiple states, with Georgia farmers suffering at least $5.5 billion in losses according to the University of Georgia. North Carolina farmers faced losses amounting to $3.1 billion due to the devastation caused by unprecedented rainfall and severe flooding.
In a letter to President Trump, Senator Ossoff and Senator Warnock highlighted the importance of FEMA funding, stating that it was essential for assisting impacted communities in their rebuilding efforts. While other states, such as Florida and South Carolina, had their funding extensions granted for 180 days, Georgia was allotted only 120 days, ending on February 3.
In the response from the acting FEMA administrator, Cameron Hamilton, it was stated that the requested funding increase was unnecessary and thus the extension of 100 percent federal funding for debris removal and protective measures would not be granted. The letter also mentioned that the denial could be appealed within 30 days.
Senator Ossoff remarked, “Georgia was devastated by Hurricane Helene last fall, and clean-up efforts by local governments are still underway. This decision is wrong, and I urge the Trump Administration to reverse course and ensure Georgia’s local governments get the vital support they need.” A spokesperson for Governor Kemp indicated that the proposed budget would secure funding for the remaining costs following the denial of federal reimbursement.
In summary, Senator Jon Ossoff criticized the Trump administration’s refusal to extend hurricane relief for Georgia, as local governments continue to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Despite significant financial losses estimated for the state and across the region, the administration’s denial of assistance has left affected communities struggling. Ossoff and Warnock called for a reversal of this decision to provide essential support for recovery efforts.
Original Source: www.fox5atlanta.com
