Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott recently met with President Joe Biden and other federal officials in Taylor County, Florida, to discuss the recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. The meeting included U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Senator Scott emphasized the need for full federal support to aid Florida's recovery.

Scott has been vocal about potential funding shortages within FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund and is urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to reconvene the Senate to vote on a supplemental aid package once damage assessments are complete. He also highlighted the necessity of his Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act to provide relief to affected families.

"While I appreciate President Biden, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, and officials from FEMA coming to Florida to see the damage here firsthand, there is so much work to be done," said Senator Scott. He stressed that past federal responses have left many Floridians with unmet needs and called for immediate action.

The senator noted that Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage along Florida’s Gulf Coast, affecting communities in Taylor County and beyond. He stated that recovery requires coordinated efforts at local, state, and federal levels.

This week, Senator Scott led a bipartisan group in sending a letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack supporting a Disaster Declaration for impacted counties in Florida. Additionally, he urged FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell for expedited reimbursements for local governments facing budget shortfalls due to Hurricanes Helene and Debby.

Senator Scott has visited 11 counties affected by Hurricane Helene since its landfall. He remains in contact with state leaders and federal agencies to ensure necessary resources are available for recovery efforts.

Floridians needing assistance with federal agencies like FEMA or SBA during their recovery can reach out through Senator Scott's office or find more information on his website.