Emerson Votes for Cuts to Federal Gov’t, Disaster Assistance for MO

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today cast votes in favor of an $8.1 billion federal disaster assistance package which includes more than $1.7 billion for priorities of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Eighth District member of Congress hopes the funds will allow quick action on levee restoration at Birds Point, where the New Madrid Floodway was utilized earlier this year.

"So many Missouri homes and livelihoods were wrecked in this disaster, and the Corps needs to have the funding to set right the situation and to restore flood protection at Birds Point. This funding should assure that they have the resources necessary to restore the levee as soon as possible. As soon as the construction season begins, there is no reason why the Corps can't be moving earth," Emerson said.

Emerson also contributed one of the nine titles in the final appropriations bill passed in the U.S. House of Representatives today. The Financial Services and General Government portion of the bill, which Emerson negotiated with her counterparts in the U.S. Senate, cuts spending by 11 percent from FY2010 and comes in $4.5 billion under the President's request for FY2012.

"I'm pleased that we were able to fight for the American people's priorities of limited, more transparent and more responsible federal government. The significant reductions in my section of today's bill will preserve much needed priorities like Small Business Administration loans and funds for the U.S. Treasury to fight international terrorism. At the same time, the bill rescinds a $25 million slush fund at the Securities Exchange Commission, prohibits four White House czars, and prevents the Federal Employees Health Benefits program and the DC government from funding abortions. We continue to make progress in forcing this Administration to be more transparent and accountable while reducing overspending and duplication in federal government," Emerson said.

Video of each of Emerson's statements today in the U.S. House of Representatives is available at the following links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzqeHvncayA (Spending Cuts)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTvx9pOf2ss (Disaster funding)