$15.2 Billion in Disaster Relief, Plus Gov't Funding and a Debt Limit Increase Through December (H.R. 601)

What is H.R. 601?

(Updated December 4, 2021)

This bill was enacted on September 8, 2017

(Update 9/7/17): This bill has been co-opted to serve as the legislative vehicle for legislation providing $15.2 billion in disaster relief funding, suspend the debt limit & fund the entirety of the federal government at current levels through December 8, 2017, and extend other expiring programs such as the National Flood Insurance Program through that date. Previously the bill promoted universal education for women and girls in countries receiving U.S. foreign aid.

Of the $15.2 billion provided by the updated bill, $7.4 billion would go to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster relief fund to ensure the agency can meet all current needs and remain prepared for additional disasters; $7.4 billion would go to the Community Development Block Grant program; and the remaining $450 million would support the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) disaster loan program to help small businesses and homeowners begin to rebuild.

Argument in favor

This bill makes an initial $15.2 billion in relief immediately available in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey to ensure that FEMA can fund all current disaster needs, while also preventing a government shutdown and default through December.

Argument opposed

Congress shouldn’t spend this money without finding ways to offset the increase by reducing other spending. Lawmakers shouldn't combine the issues of disaster relief, funding the government, and raising the debt limit

Impact

People recovering from Hurricane Harvey and other disasters; the federal government.

Cost of H.R. 601

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: On September 6, President Donald Trump announced a deal with Democratic leaders in Congress to combine disaster relief funding -- which had been introduced as a standalone bill -- with legislation increasing the debt limit and funding the government at current levels into December. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said he'd support the compromise and introduce the amendment to make it a reality:

"At the outset of this week, I outlined three issues we needed to address immediately: provide resources for Hurricane Harvey recovery and Hurricane Irma preparedness, ensure that the government remains funded, and ensure that a default is prevented — so that the emergency resources I mentioned can actually get to Americans who need them. That’s what the legislation I filed cloture on yesterday achieves, together in one package. It will provide certainty and stability for first responders, state officials, and the many others involved in preparing for and recovering from these storms, with critically needed emergency resources that will not be interrupted by the prospect of a shutdown or default."

The move has frustrated conservatives, who want the issues of disaster relief and the debt limit addressed separately. Heritage Action called it "irresponsible and reprehensible for Congress to use much-needed Harvey-related spending to bypass this important fiscal check", while FreedomWorks likened the tactic to "extortion".

Media:

• Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) Press Release
• Countable
• FreedomWorks (Opposed)
• Heritage Action (Opposed)