Sen. Rick Scott Urges Senate to Reconvene After Hurricane Helene

Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) is urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to reconvene the Senate immediately to consider supplemental disaster relief funding following Hurricane Helene, which has resulted in over 121 confirmed deaths and widespread devastation across several states. Scott emphasizes the need for a clean supplemental disaster funding bill and the passage of his Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act to aid recovery efforts. In the wake of the hurricane's catastrophic impact, particularly in Florida, Scott has been coordinating with local and federal officials to ensure affected communities receive necessary resources. President Biden has approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida and indicated he may request Congress to return early to address funding needs. Lawmakers had previously passed a stopgap spending bill allowing FEMA to expedite its response, but it did not include additional long-term funding. The urgency of the situation has drawn bipartisan support for a swift legislative response to assist affected families and businesses.