Congressman Pat Harrigan Votes to Improve Disaster Relief Access for Rural Communities Impacted by Disasters Like Hurricane Helene

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) voted to pass H.R. 804, the Rural Small Business Resilience Act, which ensures small businesses and individuals in rural communities have full access to disaster relief, especially in the wake of devastating events like Hurricane Helene.

“Hurricane Helene exposed a harsh reality. Our rural communities are often hit the hardest and helped the slowest,” said Congressman Harrigan. “This bill cuts through the red tape and makes sure small businesses and families in rural areas aren’t left behind when they need help the most.”

H.R. 804 directs the Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience to take concrete steps, like targeted outreach and specialized resources, to ensure rural communities receive the disaster assistance they’re entitled to. The bill guarantees that small businesses in remote areas are not overlooked during critical recovery efforts.

Congressman Harrigan is calling on the Senate to move quickly and pass this important legislation so rural families and small businesses can get the support they need to rebuild and recover.