Congress Passes Government Funding, Debt Ceiling, and Hurricane Aid Package
Today, Congress passed legislation to provide $15.25 billion for hurricane relief, suspend the U.S. debt limit, and keep the government open through Dec. 8. The bill also extends the nation’s flood insurance program to Dec. 8. The bill now goes to President Trump for his signature.
With Hurricane Irma headed towards Florida and tens of thousands suffering from damage caused by Hurricane Harvey, the bill will replenishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster relief fund with $7.4 billion, plus $450 million in funding for the Small Business Administration and $7.4 billion for HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to address housing needs in disaster zones.
While this bill averts a government shutdown at the end of September and provides much-needed disaster assistance, the bill sets up a chaotic December for Congress. Congressional efforts to modernize the U.S. tax code by the end of the year will likely face a time crunch as lawmakers are faced with deferred fiscal deadlines just in time for the holiday season.
With full-year funding delayed for Fiscal Year 2018, NAHMA members attending the NAHMA Fall Meeting in D.C. (Oct 22-24) are encouraged to meet with legislators and advocate for affordable housing programs. NAHMA staff will help arrange meetings and materials for congressional outreach; contact us by Thursday, Sept 28th, 2017 to schedule visits with your congressional delegation.
NAHMA joins housing industry coalition to urge Senate to confirm Pam Patenaude as HUD Deputy Secretary
On Monday, NAHMA joined a coalition of housing industry organizations in a
letter to the Senate leadership calling on Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to bring Pam Patenaude’s nomination to the Senate floor for a full vote. The Senate Banking Committee approved Ms. Patenaude’s nomination back in June and a hold is currently stalling her final confirmation vote. Ms. Patenaude’s prior housing and HUD experience, specifically on disaster recovery, is needed in the Department more than ever.
NAHMA publishes disaster relief resources webpage, calls for vacant Texas units
NAHMA extends its thoughts and support to those affected by flooding and natural disasters during hurricane season. We are in communication with federal agencies regarding disaster recovery efforts and will continue to keep members updated.
To help affordable housing owners, managers, and residents locate recovery assistance, NAHMA’s new
Disaster Recovery Resources webpage will continue to provide up-to-date information about various assistance programs available from the federal agencies, namely HUD, USDA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), the IRS, and others all in one place. The webpage will be updated as more information becomes available.
