WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. (Florida-02) released a statement following the House’s passage of the Resilient AMERICA Act (H.R. 5689), which includes language from a bill Congressman Dunn introduced that requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reimburse local governments and electric cooperatives for interest incurred on loans used to restore essential functions after natural disasters. 

"Today's passage of the Resilient AMERICA Act, which includes my bill, the FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act, is a win for Florida's Second Congressional District,” said Congressman Dunn. “Following Hurricane Michael in 2018, our local governments and electric cooperatives took out loans to restore services. They are now burdened with millions of dollars in interest payments as they wait for full reimbursement from FEMA - a cost passed on to taxpayers and ratepayers alike. My bill requires FEMA to include the interest incurred on the loans in their reimbursement, which will incentivize the federal government to obligate these funds in a timelier manner moving forward. My district waited years for this relief, and I'm thrilled that it is one step closer to fruition."

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