WASHINGTON—House Republican leaders on Nov. 19 indicated that they would pass a disaster relief package submitted to Congress by President Joe Biden, which would provide nearly $100 billion in assistance to areas affected by recent hurricanes.
“From rebuilding homes and reopening critical infrastructure, such as schools and roads—to supporting the Nation’s farmers and ranchers and ensuring access to healthcare services impacted communities await your response. There can be no delay,” Biden wrote in his letter. “This request of supplemental funds is focused on the accounts that are most critical to aiding disaster survivors and impacted communities.”
During a Tuesday press conference by the leadership of the House Republican Conference, Johnson indicated his support for the package.
“We’re going to continue to provide for the American people with the resources that are desperately needed,” Johnson said. “These communities can be rebuilt responsibly, and Congress has a role to play in all that.”
Johnson was flanked by Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), and Conference Vice Chair Blake Moore (R-Utah).
Johnson did not indicate whether he’d support the full amount of $98.6 billion being included in the package. However, his remarks indicated that Congress would consider the request in the lame-duck session of the body, which will end on Jan. 3, 2025, when the 119th Congress takes office.
The large price tag may elicit opposition from some fiscal conservatives in the Senate and House who have criticized big spending bills during the Biden administration. However, Senate Democrats—who will lose control of the Senate in the next Congress—have suggested they will make disaster relief a priority.
Already, clashes over the price tag have prevented action. In the Senate, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) blocked a unanimous-consent measure that would refinance the Small Business Administration’s disaster relief loan account with $550 million, insisting that his amendment to rescind $810 million in green energy loans under the Inflation Reduction Act be included to offset the cost.
Members of Congress chimed in immediately following the announcement of the president’s request, indicating their conditions for support. Some want the inclusion of certain measures to benefit their constituencies.