Senator Ossoff Criticizes Denial of Hurricane Relief Extension for Georgia
Senator Jon Ossoff denounced the Trump administration’s denial of Georgia’s request for an extension of federal hurricane relief funding for cleanup efforts after Hurricane Helene. The denial, highlighted by FEMA, leaves local governments without crucial assistance as cleanup continues amid heavy losses totaling billions for Georgia farmers. Ossoff criticized the decision and urged for a reversal, while indicating that there is a 30-day window to appeal the decision.
U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) criticized the Trump administration’s decision to deny an extension for federal hurricane relief funding for Georgia in response to Hurricane Helene. In January, Governor Brian Kemp formally requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to prolong the reimbursement deadline for local governments managing cleanup efforts. Both Senators Ossoff and Raphael Warnock had also advocated for this extension.
Last Wednesday, Cameron Hamilton, the acting administrator for FEMA, informed Governor Kemp that the request was denied. Hurricane Helene, which struck Georgia last October, caused extensive flooding and damage, resulting in the unfortunate deaths of at least 34 individuals within the state. Experts estimate the overall loss for farmers and agribusinesses across several states will surpass $10 billion, with Georgia farmers alone facing losses of at least $5.5 billion, according to the University of Georgia.
In a joint letter to President Trump, Ossoff and Warnock emphasized the critical support provided by FEMA’s Debris Coverage Program for the affected communities. They pointed out that while other states such as Florida and South Carolina received a 180-day extension for their relief programs, Georgia’s extension was only for 120 days, set to conclude on February 3.
In Hamilton’s letter to Kemp, he stated that it was determined that the increased funding requested was unwarranted. He informed the governor that the extension request for the period of complete federal funding for debris removal and emergency measures had been denied. Nonetheless, the denial is subject to appeal within 30 days.
Senator Ossoff responded to the decision, asserting, “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 representative from Governor Kemp’s office mentioned that the governor’s proposed budget would include provisions to cover the remaining costs associated with cleanup efforts following the truncated federal assistance.
The denial of the extension for FEMA storm relief funding to Georgia by the Trump administration has elicited significant criticism from Senator Jon Ossoff and other officials. With substantial losses incurred by Georgia farmers due to Hurricane Helene, Ossoff has called for the administration to reconsider its decision and provide necessary federal support for local recovery efforts. The denial may be appealed within a specified timeframe, raising hopes for potential reconsideration.
Original Source: www.fox5atlanta.com
