Lucas’ statement on passage of disaster relief bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2157, the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019:

“Oklahoma is no stranger to natural disasters. From recent floods to wildfires, Oklahomans have experienced their fair share of heartache. While tonight’s disaster relief bill doesn’t provide any aid mitigating the effects of the most recent flooding seen in our state, I, and every Oklahoman, are committed to lending a helping hand to our fellow countryman as they also piece their lives back together.”

The Senate Amendment to H.R. 2157, the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019,  provides $191 billion in assistance for several natural disasters in fiscal years 2017 through 2019. Included in the $19.1 billion, is $3 billion for agricultural crop and livestock losses, $558 million for farmland rehabilitation, $480 million for forest restoration, $150 million for rural community facilities, and $435 million for watershed and flood prevention.

The bill also includes $600 million in nutrition assistance for Puerto Rico as well as $304 million in new Community Development Block Grants for the island.