WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), issued the following statement Monday after voting to approve long-overdue emergency funding for families and businesses impacted by Superstorm Sandy in Delaware and other parts of the East Coast. The bipartisan legislation, the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, passed by a final vote of 62-36 and will be sent to President Obama for signature.
“The families, businesses and communities in Delaware and up and down the East Coast that were affected by Superstorm Sandy are ready to repair and rebuild, and I’m glad that federal assistance is now finally on the way. It is, however, inexcusable that there has been a nearly three-month delay in getting emergency relief funds to those who need it most. The partisan obstruction that stalled this legislation in December is simply unacceptable. In the wake of natural disasters, Delawareans have always stood at the sides of Americans in need, and it was disappointing that some in Congress refused to stand by Delawareans and our neighbors after Sandy. Fortunately, that time is now behind us.
“While I was disappointed by some of the cuts in the House version of the bill, including those made to the CDBG program, I am generally satisfied with the bill and am pleased that every project for which Governor Markell identified a need will at least be eligible for some of the funding allocated by this legislation. This bill will help give Delawareans and our East Coast neighbors the resources they need to rebuild their homes, their businesses, and their communities. From here we can move forward together and take the steps necessary to protect lives and property before the next big storm hits.”