U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy says it’s now or never if Louisiana is going to be successful in securing more federal dollars for flood recovery.
The Republican, who will soon become Louisiana’s senior senator, tells The USA Today Network of Louisiana relief must come during Congress’ lame duck session that began Tuesday.
“I think if we’re going to get something it will be from this Congress, not the next,” Cassidy says.
That’s why Gov. John Bel Edwards is traveling to Washington today to help Louisiana’s delegation make the case for more money.
“It’s all hands on deck now,” Cassidy says. “It’s going to take all of us making the argument.”
Louisiana already secured roughly $438 million, which both Cassidy and Edwards call a “down payment” on the state’s recovery from the March and August floods. President Obama has proposed Congress appropriate $3.1 billion more for disaster relief with $2.1 billion of that targeted for Louisiana.
“That would put Louisiana at $2.6 billion, which is what the governor originally requested,” says Cassidy, although Edwards later amended the request to $4 billion. “I’m sure we’ll get some. The challenge will be whether we get it all.”
The decision will likely be made during the next 10 days.
Congress is expected to pass a temporary spending bill, called a continuing resolution, before the current bill expires Dec. 9 to keep government running until March.
“It’s imperative to get aid to the people as soon as possible, and now is the best chance we have to get it done,” says 5th District Congressman Ralph Abraham, R-Alto. “This week and next are big weeks for Louisiana.”
Louisiana’s congressional delegation is set to meet today for a strategy session followed by a meeting with Edwards on Thursday.
