[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 159 (Friday, September 29, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E913-E914]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE IMPACT OF THE IMPENDING GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 29, 2023

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the impact of 
the impending government shutdown on communities in my district that 
are experiencing the worst flash flooding since Hurricane Ida, which 
killed more than 40 people across the state. As we are in the middle of 
House Republican infighting that is jeopardizing the ability to keep 
the government open, our federal government's ability to serve the 
American people is threatened. Essential services from government 
agencies and employees pay will be affected as many face furlough and 
uncertainty about retroactive pay. In New York State, the Governor and 
Mayor have declared a state of emergency, but they cannot look to the 
federal government at a time when funding is uncertain.
  Right now, in New York City, highways are closed, vehicles are 
stranded, subway trains have stalled, utility infrastructure is flooded 
and damaged, and many New Yorkers on the way to work and school have 
had their daily routines severely impacted. At a time like this we look 
to the federal government for resources, but Congress has not passed 
legislation to replenish the FEMA disaster relief fund, which is the 
primary pot of money the agency uses to respond to storms. Republicans 
refusing to work with Democrats and pass a clean Continuing Resolution 
are failing to support communities recovering from disasters during 
hurricane season. The Continuing Resolution Republicans have proposed 
hurts FEMA's readiness by neglecting the pressing need for additional 
disaster relief funds to address existing shortfalls and prepare for 
unforeseen future disasters. Due to climate change, storms have 
intensified and become more frequent across the country resulting in a 
record number of billion-dollar disasters to date. The importance of 
the FEMA disaster relief fund cannot be understated and the ability to 
deploy resources and funds by keeping the federal government open is 
even more critical.
  Constituents in my district in Brooklyn and Queens living in single 
family homes and public housing complexes will be dealing with the 
impact of intense flash flooding for days after the storm passes. My 
constituents deserve a functioning government, not a shutdown. As 
communities vulnerable to flooding continue to bear the brunt of 
climate change, a government shutdown will leave New Yorkers and state 
and local government without critical assistance. Republican's refusal 
to fund the government will wreak havoc on New York's ability to 
recover from these floods in the days and months to come.

[[Page E914]]

  

                          ____________________