Senator Schatz Advocates for Permanent Disaster Relief Solution Amidst Increasing Climate Catastrophes

In a compelling call to action, US Senator Brian Schatz from Hawaii has issued an urgent appeal to Congress, pressing for the approval of long-term disaster relief funding. This call comes as communities across the United States, notably in Maui, Hawaii, and Vermont, face the devastating aftermath of wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes. Schatz’s advocacy centers on the critical need for Congress to secure funding for the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program. This program plays a pivotal role in offering flexible assistance to survivors, aiding in the reconstruction of homes, businesses, and communities following significant losses.

The urgency of Schatz’s plea is underscored by the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters, which have left countless communities in a state of perpetual recovery. Despite a bipartisan push led by Schatz, the absence of recent allocations for CDBG-DR has resulted in a prolonged state of uncertainty for towns and cities nationwide, including the affected community of Lahaina in Maui. Schatz’s efforts are aimed at ensuring that disaster recovery is not just a temporary patchwork but a sustained commitment to rebuilding resilient communities equipped to face future challenges.