Congresswoman Barbara Lee Votes to Pass Continuing Resolution, Provide Wildfire Relief Fund
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) voted to pass H.R. 5304, Extending Government Funding/Suspending Debt Limit, to fund the government through December 3, which includes emergency funding to for recent natural disasters, including California wildfires, and the resettlement of Afghan evacuees.
“I’m glad to see the House pass this Continuing Resolution to keep our government open during this critical time. I thank Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro and Speaker Pelosi for their leadership to ensure that our government stays open and that we can respond to key emergencies at home and abroad.
“My home state of California is experiencing the climate emergency first-hand. We have lost so many homes and lives to wildfires over the last few years. I am pleased that this bill provides $28.6 billion to address the rising cost of natural disasters, including wildfires and severe droughts. This funding will help our small businesses, families, and communities recover from these tragic events. This includes communities of color and low-income communities who have been disproportionately impacted by climate change.
“As Chairwoman of the State-Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, I am pleased that this bill includes $6.3 billion to support Afghan evacuees, including resettling evacuees in the United States and funding to provide humanitarian assistance for Afghan refugees in neighboring countries.
“At least 18.4 million people in Afghanistan require humanitarian assistance due to the conflict, severe drought, and the COVID pandemic. We not only have a moral responsibility to provide safe harbor for vulnerable Afghans who fear for their lives, but to also provide humanitarian assistance to those suffering inside Afghanistan.
“Now it’s up to the Senate to pass this critical legislation to keep our government open and deliver for the people.”