Following Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic path through northwest Florida, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) met with local officials and volunteers from Citrus County. Senator Rubio also met with small business owners impacted by the storm. Photos are courtesy of...
Following Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic damage, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) met with first responders, local officials, and volunteers in Pasco County. Photos are courtesy of Senator Rubio’s office. Senator Rubio meets with the Pasco County Sheriff Chris...
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) met with Cedar Key residents and homeowners who were impacted by Hurricane Helene. Rubio then met with members of the aquaculture industry to discuss the impact multiple hurricanes have had on the industry. Photos are courtesy of...
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) visited the Taylor County Emergency Operation Center (EOC) and Keaton Beach, an area highly impacted by Hurricane Helene. Photos are courtesy of Senator Rubio’s office. Senator Rubio meets with Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett....
After making landfall as a Category 4 storm, Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage along Florida’s Gulf Coast. It’s crucial for Floridia’s farmers to receive the necessary resources for recovery. U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), and...
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s (R-FL) office will host a two day in-person event to assist constituents affected by Hurricane Helene and help navigate applications for FEMA assistance. Food, water, and additional resources will be available at the events. Event...
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act, which would require FEMA to reimburse local governments for interest payments on disaster-related loans. Congressman Neal Dunn (R-FL) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In March 2020, Rubio and Scott introduced the Fairness in Disaster Relief Act, which would have authorized FEMA to reimburse local governments for disaster-related loans. On June 1, 2020, FEMA released new guidance that clarified that interest payments on disaster loans may be eligible for reimbursement. However, FEMA has not issued interest reimbursements to municipalities and other eligible entities across Florida, and the guidance does not establish guidelines on how to apply to receive interest on loans. The FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act would require FEMA to make these payments.
“Hurricanes and other natural disasters have caused catastrophic destruction throughout Florida and disrupted the lives of countless Americans,” Rubio said. “Local governments, electric co-ops, and other entities work incredibly hard to respond to crisis situations. In doing so, they face serious financial hardships, which become increasingly onerous as FEMA delays reimbursements and interest payments pile up. This legislation would significantly reduce the burden of interest payments of FEMA loans to the hardest hit communities.”
“In Florida, we know just how suddenly severe weather can develop and threaten our communities,” Scott said. “Throughout my time as Governor of Florida, I saw firsthand the devastation and destruction massive storms can cause to families, communities and businesses. I will always do everything I can to help families and businesses recover quickly after natural disasters, and the FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act will expand the resources available to local governments to help with recovery efforts.”
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