Press Releases

BUFFALO, NY — Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) released the following statement following reports on the Trump administration’s plans to make it harder for communities to qualify for federal disaster relief: 

“As Ranking Member of the House Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee, I am deeply concerned about the Trump administration’s latest scheme to hollow out FEMA and undermine its ability to provide disaster assistance. The President’s plan to place the burden of disaster recovery on the backs of state and local governments and taxpayers is reckless, ridiculous, and downright dangerous.  

The administration’s plans to eliminate all major disaster declarations for snowstorms would be disastrous for Western New York. That would mean when - not if - the next major blizzard buries our region, my community would be without federal support for recovery efforts. That is simply unacceptable.

The federal government already makes it incredibly burdensome for communities to receive assistance following major snowstorms. That is why I introduced the SNOW Act to make it easier for regions like Western New York to access FEMA aid following major winter storms. 

At a time when severe weather events are becoming more frequent and more destructive, we need to improve and streamline disaster relief, not dismantle it. This is another shortsighted and destructive plan from President Trump that does nothing but endanger the people of Western New York and communities like ours across the country.”

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