Daines Secures Critical Funds to Support Montana Wildfire, Flood Disaster Relief

U.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines secured $7.23 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund in the 2019 Homeland Security Appropriations Act. 

These critical funds are used for Fire Management Assistance Grants, which Montana applies for after devastating wildfires.

“Montana’s wildfires and floods have harmed families and cost our state millions,” said Daines. “These important funds will help communities rebuild and address Montana’s unique challenges.”

Daines also secured additional Montana wins in appropriations bills, including additional disaster relief funding, provisions to combat the trafficking of meth across borders and initiatives to preserve rural post offices.

The appropriations bills will now move to the floor of the U.S. Senate for consideration.

Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) Homeland Security Appropriations Act Highlights:

  • Secures $3.3 billion dollars for FEMA’s Federal Assistance Grants. These are used for funding Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants and Assistance to Firefighter Grants.
  • Strengthens our northern and southern borders by providing $14.3 billion for Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including the addition of 375 new officers for ports of entry and 375 new Border Patrol agents. Securing our borders will ensure the rule of law is followed, while mitigating the threats of violent crime and drug trafficking.

 

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