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Congressman Paul Tonko is calling on House Democrats to get behind efforts to provide additional relief funds to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure there are adequate resources available to fund recovery efforts from Hurricane Irene and other recent disasters that have struck the nation.

On Wednesday night, Congressman Tonko spoke before the House Democratic Caucus, giving details about the devastation he had witnessed over the past two weeks to families, farms, small businesses, not-for-profits, and roads and bridges across the Capital Region. During his presentation, Congressman Tonko showed photographs he took of the damage as he toured the 21^st Congressional District in the hours and days after the storm.

 “The flooding brought on by Irene was historic in nature, and it has left entire communities devastated, with the enormous task of recovering and rebuilding,” said Congressman Tonko. “My constituents are upset and angry over talk that the federal government may not have the resources to fully assist. Delays and political gamesmanship are simply unacceptable when we are dealing with a national emergency on this scale, and I am going to make certain that their voices are heard loud and clear in the halls of Congress. I am calling upon my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for a strong and immediate response to this disaster, ensuring that we have adequate resources to help families, farmers, small businesspeople, and entire communities get back on their feet.”

 In addition to his presentation to the Democratic Caucus, Congressman Tonko has also had conversations with House leadership about moving forward with additional funding for FEMA. Last week, Congressman Tonko toured damaged areas with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, speaking with each about the need for an immediate and complete federal response to the devastation.

Several of Congressman Tonko’s colleagues from other districts hard hit by Irene joined in his call for additional FEMA funding, including Congressman Peter Welch of Vermont, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, and Congressman Bill Pascrell of New Jersey. Congressman Lloyd Doggett of Texas also spoke in support of additional funding.

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