Congressman Harrigan Sends Letter Urging FEMA to Protect Hurricane Survivors as Winter Storm Looms

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) released the following statement after he and Senator Ted Budd (NC) sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell urging immediate action to extend critical sheltering assistance for Hurricane Helene survivors as a severe winter storm approaches western North Carolina:

“FEMA’s current 24-hour extension is woefully inadequate,” said Congressman Harrigan. “Families who have already endured the devastation of Hurricane Helene are now staring down a dangerous winter storm. With up to eight inches of snow forecasted in some areas, FEMA must act decisively to ensure these families are not left to fend for themselves in the freezing cold. Anything less would be a dereliction of duty.”

The Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program, set to expire on January 11, provides temporary shelter to disaster survivors. Without an extension, many could face homelessness during this critical weather event. Congressman Harrigan and Senator Budd have called on FEMA to reassess the situation on the ground and are committed to supporting FEMA in addressing this evolving crisis.

For more information, the full letter to Administrator Criswell is available here.