Baumgartner Requests Flood Disaster Aid, Calls out Democrat Shutdown Strain on FEMA

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) joined the entire, bipartisan Washington Congressional Delegation in a letter urging the President to approve additional funding in response to Governor Bob Ferguson’s February 18 request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance following the devastating December floods. This comes as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is operating under a partial government shutdown. DHS has advised that: “Absent funding from Congress, existing Disaster Relief Fund balances have a potential to run dry.”  

“I strongly support FEMA assisting Washington state in its time of need, but we have to call out hypocrisy when we see it. Democrats need to stop using the appropriations process to score political points and instead work with Republicans to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security so FEMA has the tools and capacity it needs to help communities recover,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “Disaster relief is not a partisan issue. Our delegation is united in asking the President to approve this Major Disaster Declaration, and Congress should be just as united in ensuring FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund is strong enough to support Washington families, farmers, and small businesses in their time of need.”

In their letter to the President, Baumgartner and members of the Delegation wrote: “This extreme weather event has put significant stress on Washington state’s infrastructure, emergency response teams, and communities across the state. Throughout this crisis, state, local, Tribal, and federal first responders have stepped up and worked tirelessly to keep our communities secure. We are incredibly grateful for their diligent work and careful coordination to keep Washingtonians safe and informed throughout this disaster.”

You can read the full letter here.