Congressman Biggs Sends Letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan on Disaster Relief Appropriations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of today's House vote on Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements, Congressman Biggs transmitted the following letter to Speaker Paul Ryan:

The Honorable Paul Ryan
Speaker of the House
H-232 The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Speaker Ryan,

This week, the House of Representatives will consider answering President Trump's request for supplemental appropriations for the National Flood Insurance Program, the Disaster Relief Fund, and wildfire recovery. These funds will be used to assist in rebuilding after the recent hurricanes and wildfires that have impacted our nation. I ask that the funding provided in this package be offset with adequate spending cuts and that the appropriations not be attached to any other non-germane legislation.

For years, Republicans have preached the dangers of out-of-control spending and an increasing federal debt. During last year's election, the American people believed our commitments to reducing spending and balancing our budget, and gave us the opportunity to set our nation on a path to financial stability. They are trusting us to make the tough decisions to achieve these results and expect us to remain steadfast in these goals.

When disaster strikes in America, Congress has always been quick to respond. We are a generous people and it is in our nature to want to see our fellow Americans prosper. But at this time, when our national debt is over twenty trillion dollars, we must ensure that the decisions we make today will not continue to burden our children and grandchildren.

Rather than simply appropriating funding under the illusion that we have endless resources, we should seek offsets and prevent further ballooning our deficit. These steps will prove to the American people that Congress is serious about making responsible financial decisions.

Finally, I ask that any supplemental appropriations be provided in a stand-alone bill that is devoid of any other non-germane policy. Far too often, these appropriations bills are attached to other policies that cloud the purpose of the earmarked dollars. Providing billions of dollars in disaster relief is an important decision for Congress to make. Members should be afforded the opportunity to weigh on in the package without any other policy affecting their decision.

I hope that both requests will be given consideration when the House takes up the forthcoming supplemental appropriations package.

Sincerely,

Andy Biggs