Senator Ossoff Criticizes Trump Administration’s Denial of Hurricane Relief Extension for Georgia
Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) condemned the Trump administration’s refusal to extend aid for Georgia’s Hurricane Helene relief, hindering local governments’ cleanup reimbursement efforts. Despite severe damages, Georgia’s request was denied compared to longer extensions granted to Florida and South Carolina. Ossoff and state officials are pressing the administration for necessary support amid significant agricultural losses exceeding $5.5 billion.
U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) has publicly expressed his discontent regarding the Trump administration’s decision to deny an extension of hurricane relief for Georgia following Hurricane Helene. In January, Governor Brian Kemp sought assistance from FEMA for local governments to receive reimbursements for cleanup costs related to the hurricane, a request supported by Senator Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA). However, on Wednesday, a senior FEMA official informed Governor Kemp that this request had been denied.
Hurricane Helene caused significant devastation across Georgia, resulting in flooding, fallen trees, and at least 34 fatalities last October. Experts estimate that damages from the hurricane across several states may exceed $10 billion, impacting agricultural sectors severely, with Georgia alone facing an estimated loss of $5.5 billion according to the University of Georgia. In contrast, North Carolina reported $3.1 billion in losses due to crop damage and recovery costs in the aftermath of the storm.
In a joint letter to President Donald Trump, Senators Ossoff and Warnock highlighted the importance of FEMA funding for the Debris Coverage Program, which has been crucial for helping affected counties recover. While states such as Florida and South Carolina received 180-day extensions for their programs, Georgia’s extension was only for 120 days and was set to expire February 3rd.
In the letter to Governor Kemp, Cameron Hamilton, acting administrator of FEMA, stated that the increased funding requested by Georgia was unwarranted and the request to extend federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures was denied. Hamilton noted that FEMA would continue to monitor federal obligations and indicated the possibility of appealing the decision within 30 days.
Senator Ossoff condemned the decision, asserting that local governments in Georgia, which are still undergoing cleanup efforts, require extended federal assistance. His office emphasized the urgent need for support from the Trump administration to facilitate recovery. In response, a spokesperson for Governor Kemp indicated that the proposed budget would accommodate the costs remaining after the denial, covering the 25% non-federal cost share for eligible cleanup expenses following the initial 100% federal reimbursement period.
Senator Jon Ossoff has vocally criticized the Trump administration for denying Georgia’s request for an extension of federal hurricane relief following Hurricane Helene. The denial of support has faced backlash amid significant agricultural losses in the state, prompting local officials to seek alternatives to fund cleanup efforts. As recovery processes continue, uncertainty remains regarding the federal support available for affected Georgia communities.
Original Source: www.fox5atlanta.com
