Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Mary Sattler Peltola voted to keep the federal government open through December 16th and give Congress time to complete negotiations on a full-year funding bill. The continuing resolution (CR) also delivers new investments to meet the needs of Alaskan families as they recover from Typhoon Merbok.

“I was proud to vote to keep the federal government open and working for Alaskans today,” said Peltola. “As part of the CR, I was able to work with House leadership and the Appropriations Committee to secure billions in additional funding for FEMA as Alaskans and others work to rebuild after devastating storms.”

Thanks to the advocacy of Peltola, the CR will include an anomaly allowing FEMA to spend faster than the usual rate, up to its entire year of funding. The Disaster Relief Fund currently has around $10 billion in reserves but now will have access to an additional $18.9 billion for a total of nearly $30 billion. 

Additionally, the CR includes another $2 billion for the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Fund to address major disasters, which will also benefit Alaskans. 

“I want to thank House leadership and Appropriations Chair DeLauro for agreeing to provide additional funding for disaster relief at a time when so many Americans, including many in my home state, are suffering,” said Peltola. “This funding will help lift a heavy burden off the shoulders of many families and communities.”  ###