The federal government has frozen some aid to tornado- and flood-ravaged Missouri and the South to focus on immediate help for victims of Hurricane Irene, disappointing residents and officials who said Monday they still need help.

Federal Emergency Management Agency spokesman Bob Josephson said FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund is running low – down to between $800 million and $1 billion. When that happens, the agency focuses on immediate response, rather than long-term rebuilding. It also needs to ensure there's enough money to respond to any other disasters that might occur this year, he said.

The shift drew criticism from Missouri's senators, who promised to push to get full funding restored for Joplin, where a May 22 tornado killed 160 people and damaged about 7,500 homes, and other parts of the country hit by disasters earlier this year.
Tom DeLay (Rep-TX) former House Majority Leader. was criticized by other Republcians when he voted to allocate funds to deal with Hurricane Katrina. "It is worth it"(increasing the deficit), he said, "because these people need help."

It's cynical and wrong to capitalize on a natural disaster that has destroyed homes, wiped out bridges and pushed already struggling businesses to the brink just to advance Republicans' radical Tea Party agenda. It's the role of government to respond to the needs of its people in the wake of disaster. Republicans like Eric Cantor need to get out of the way and let the federal government do its job -- help the states aid those in immediate danger and as quickly as possible begin the essential work of repairing the damage done.

Plug this link into your browser to read more and sign a petition to be sent to Mr. Cantor opposing his insistence on playing politics instead of doing the job for which he was sent to do.

https://act.credoaction.com/campaign/hurricane_hostages/?rc=fb_share1


 

posted on Aug 31, 2011 10:02 AM ()

Comments:

Signed the statement, posted it to facebook and sent a protest tweet.

comment by dragonflyby on Sept 3, 2011 7:02 PM ()

Thank you! Appreciate your support, Dottie.

reply by redimpala on Sept 4, 2011 9:23 PM ()

What is it going to take to reform Congress? Riots?

comment by troutbend on Sept 1, 2011 7:50 AM ()

I wish I knew. These Tea Party people are absolutely crazy.
Get this: Now, nearly all the Republican candidates running for President say they will eliminate the capitol gains tax if elected; push for taxing Social Security for everyone regardless of income and repeal Obama's health care plan. These people are a threat to America's future.

reply by redimpala on Sept 2, 2011 6:03 PM ()

Signed it! And just to clarify, all the disaster funding that is already in place is ongoing. Only new requests for aid from previous disasters are on hold, waiting for the House to move on funding, so that the current hurricane disaster can be attended to. But there isn't enough money to do what is needed. Hell, Cantor's own district is a wreak, and he's holding his own constituents hostage. Why they aren't recalling him this instant is beyond me. Cantor and his GOP Tea Bagging Taliban are unpatriotic and acting so dishonorably I can't stand it. They are all utter disgraces and need to be removed from office.

comment by marta on Aug 31, 2011 4:03 PM ()

I agree. Maybe his withholding funds even for his own district in Virginia will be a good wake-up call to those people as to just what kind of man they have representing them.

reply by redimpala on Sept 1, 2011 6:02 AM ()

I know--let's make all House and Senate be volunteer positions--no pay--no benefits except maybe a luncheon once a year and all their pay and perks be sent to earthquake and hurricane victims!
And for those who say we would only have rich politicians--DUH!

comment by greatmartin on Aug 31, 2011 1:14 PM ()

That would certainly get their attention!! It's exactly what they deserve.

reply by redimpala on Sept 1, 2011 6:03 AM ()

Eric Cantor should go.He is a moron and a jerk.Not sure if these two words got together.The Republicans has to go all of them.
They do not give a damn.

comment by fredo on Aug 31, 2011 12:18 PM ()

You are absolutely right, Fredo. They do not give a damn about the people they are supposed to represent. They have become convinced they are above everyone and everything. Makes me sick to my stomach.

reply by redimpala on Sept 1, 2011 6:04 AM ()

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