Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22), representing parts of Broward and Palm Beach Counties, issued this statement after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved additional funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

“I watched in awe as Hurricane Harvey devastated the Houston area. Millions of Texas and Louisiana residents were hit hard by the storm, with many losing their homes and personal possessions. 

“With the scope and scale of this storm, FEMA needs additional funding for the cleanup and recovery that will likely take weeks and months. I proudly voted to send FEMA emergency funding so that their efforts in the region won’t be interrupted. 

“Now, with Hurricane Irma barreling toward Florida, FEMA and other governmental emergency services must be prepared to respond to the potentially significant needs of Floridians in the days to come. As the strongest Atlantic Ocean hurricane in recorded history, we will need all hands on deck and all plans in place to keep Floridians safe.”