The only member of the Georgia congressional delegation withholding support of Gov. Brian Kemp’s request for $12 billion in federal disaster funding is one of the two congressmen who represent parts of Hall County.
The others – including Republican Rich McCormick who also represents a part of Hall County – say the money is needed to help businesses and individuals alike recover from the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene. But the AJC reports Andrew Clyde (R-Jackson County) wants budget cuts to offset any disaster relief.
Clyde couldn’t be reached for comment, the paper said. But his office said he wants lawmakers to reject President Joe Biden’s $100 billion disaster aid request.
“The House should consider only what is absolutely necessary right now to provide critical relief to hurricane victims and farmers and pay for it with offsets from wasteful spending elsewhere in the government, then wait for President (Donald) Trump to take office to better manage disaster relief,” a statement released by his office.
The remaining 15 members of Georgia’s delegation, including lawmakers from both parties, are pushing to get the aid approved before the current session of Congress ends in two weeks.