Appalachian Voices statement on Trump and Musk attempt to scuttle much-needed disaster funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2024

CONTACT
Dan Radmacher, Media Specialist, (540) 798-6683, dan@appvoices.org 

Tonight, President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk inserted themselves into the debate over funding the federal government for the next three months, coming out in opposition to a spending plan that would have kept the government running and provided $100 billion in badly needed funding to help areas like Western North Carolina hit by Hurricane Helene, resulting in devastating flooding. That funding is now in jeopardy as Congress rushes to keep the government running before the Dec. 20 deadline. If opponents of passing disaster aid are successful, substantial disaster funding may need to wait until sometime after early January when the new Congress is sworn in, though Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina is vowing to keep Congress in session until disaster funding is passed. A standalone disaster funding bill is possible, but the chaos caused by Trump and Musk’s opposition to the deal reached by Congress makes any action uncertain.

Statement by Director of Government Affairs and Strategy Chelsea Barnes:
“People in Appalachia hit by Helene have waited months for the federal government to step up and provide the necessary aid. Further delays are unacceptable, particularly as we head into the holidays and a cold winter with many people unhoused or unable to reopen their businesses. We are grateful to our regional leaders such as Rep. Chuck Edwards and Sens. Thom Tillis, Ted Budd, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine who have been leading the charge to make sure our communities get the support they need.”

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Appalachian Voices is a leading nonprofit advocate for a healthy environment and just economy in the Appalachian region, and a driving force in America’s shift from fossil fuels to a clean energy future.