Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2019

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman from New York for yielding me the time.

Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of H.R. 268, a bill to help our country recover from another year of devastating natural disasters.

In 2018, Americans across the country faced extreme hardship due to hurricanes, wildfires, and other catastrophic events. From Hurricanes Michael and Florence in the Southeast to historic wildfires in the West and volcanic activity in Hawaii, no part of our Nation was spared.

Last week, the President responded to these events by callously proclaiming on Twitter that he plans to stop aid to wildfire survivors in California. This behavior is not in the spirit of our great Nation. The funding provided in this bill would show the American people that we stand with them, even if the President does not.

Importantly, in response to Hurricane Maria, it provides $600 million to Puerto Rico for debris removal and restoration of its electric grid.

Additionally, the bill provides much-needed funding to communities across the Nation for Head Start, farmers who suffered crop losses, and Americans with housing needs.

I have firsthand knowledge of the challenges after a devastating hurricane. It took years and sustained commitment from the Federal Government to help my community recover from Hurricane Katrina. H.R. 268 will help put our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico on a critical path to recovery.

Additionally, I support the McGovern amendment to prevent the President from raiding the Army Corps of Engineers' funds to build his border wall.

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