Congress passes Continuing Resolution with disaster relief funding for Hurricane Helene

WASHINGTON — Late last night Congress averted a government shutdown by passing a Continuing Resolution, which included desperately needed funds to help Southern communities recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.

The Disaster Supplemental package included in the CR will assist communities across the South in rebuilding from the unprecedented destruction from the storm, especially those in Western North Carolina and the homes, public lands, local farms, small businesses, and infrastructure critical to this region.

“We are grateful to the many members of Congress that advocated tirelessly on behalf of impacted constituents to include a Disaster Supplemental package in the passage of the Continuing Resolution,” said Nat Mund, SELC’s Director of Federal Affairs. “Importantly, this measure will provide resources to restore access to homes that are still stranded, restabilize river and streambeds, and fuel economic revitalization.”

The CR also includes much of what our land management agencies identified as critical for addressing damage to public lands and infrastructure resulting from recent natural disasters across the South. Many communities rely on these public lands for clean water, access to nature, and as a means of supporting their local economies.

“Both people and the places they love were devastated by Helene, and we are glad that Congress recognized that and are providing resources to restore them,” said Anders Reynolds, SELC’s Federal Legislative Director.