Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) issued the following statement regarding the Office of Management and Budget’s supplemental funding request that was sent to Congress.
“Yesterday, the Office of Management and Budget submitted a supplemental request to Congress to cover unanticipated funding needs related to operational costs from Operation Epic Fury and to help American farmers.
“I fully support President Trump’s request to replenish our munitions stockpile and strengthen our military, as well as provide economic assistance to farmers impacted by disaster and unfair trade practices. I am disappointed, however, that the supplemental request did not include funds for Western North Carolina’s significant ongoing recovery needs.
“Nearly two years since Hurricane Helene ravaged our state, debris still clogs waterways. Roads, bridges, and dams require repair or replacement. Homeowners are paying mortgages on properties that were wiped away. Quite simply, the need continues to outweigh what the state and local communities can bear.
“For that reason, I will vote against any supplemental appropriations package that does not include additional funding for Western North Carolina.
“Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin has empowered FEMA to more rapidly reimburse state & local governments for public assistance projects. I’m pleased projects are now being approved on a regular basis—something I called for more than a year ago. I’m immensely grateful to my former Senate colleague, but FEMA is only one piece of the puzzle.
“The Small Business Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Housing and Urban Development play a major role in disaster recovery, and the disaster funding that Congress passed in December 2024 for those agencies has already been largely allocated.
“Western North Carolina’s water infrastructure remains particularly vulnerable. In places like Beech Mountain, residents face major uncertainty with their water system. Replacing it could take years and tens of millions of dollars they don’t have.
“Every time I’m in WNC, people ask me to make sure that they’re not forgotten. I’d ask my colleagues in Washington and Raleigh to send them a clear message that we’re with them by passing additional funding for disaster recovery,” said Senator Budd.
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