WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, the top-ranking Democrat on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced its decision to allow nonprofit churches and other houses of worship to receive FEMA funding after natural disasters occur:
“When natural disasters devastate a community, churches and other houses of worship are often the first places to offer critical services. I applaud FEMA’s decision to allow them to get the assistance they need to serve their communities. I was glad to add my name last year to Senator Blunt’s bill that would make this decision permanent law, and I hope the Senate moves to quickly approve this bill.”
This past October, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill added her support to legislation led by fellow Missouri Senator Roy Blunt that would ensure churches and other religious non-profits can receive funding to help rebuild, and continue serving communities hit by disasters. The legislation would make FEMA’s decision permanent, ensuring that no future Administration or FEMA official could change it.
McCaskill has served on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee since joining the Senate, and became the top-ranking Democrat last year. The Committee is responsible for oversight of FEMA and disaster relief efforts.
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