By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-987896.mp3
Plattsburgh, NY – The Senate provision provides 2.65 billion dollars in emergency funds thru a continuing resolution that keeps the government operating based on FY 2011 allocations thru November 18th. The budget measure was passed after FEMA announced they had enough funds to keep operating thru the end of the fiscal year, October first. The continuing resolution will be resolved in the House by a procedural voice vote on Thursday. Representatives will return next week to continue debate. Congressman Bill Owens notes that Leader John Boehner has said nothing is assured regarding FEMA nor offsets.
Owens is critical of the political gamesmanship that has been occurring over the resolution and FEMA funding.
Essex County NY officials have not been paid by FEMA for disaster assistance from damage both for Irene and Spring flooding. Owens says the situation is not tied to FEMA's announcement they have the funds to last thru the fiscal year.
Owens hopes funding for FEMA will be a compromise between the Senate proposal of 6.9 billion and the House level of 3.6 billion. He says if the only option is the lower amount, he would reluctantly vote for that funding level.