News from Congressman Chuck Edwards
Dear Friend,
After facing many obstacles, as the only cosponsor of H.R. 10545, the American Relief Act, I’m pleased toImage report that the funding that I pushed forward as a member of the House Appropriations Committee passed the U.S. House with $110 billion toward disaster recovery, billions of which is targeted to help Western North Carolina rebuild.
Throughout the process of drafting this legislation, I heard from a wide range of folks - FEMA, SBA, local and county governments, to constituents as yourself - to put together a framework based on your feedback, while also making sure to present a plan that is thoughtful and efficient in how we spend tax dollars.
In the devastation of Helene, you pulled together and looked out for another like never before, and now we are getting the additional help that is needed to move forward.
This may not be the only challenge we face in our road to recovery, but rest assured, I will continue to be a voice for Western North Carolina in the new Congress as we rebuild our mountains hopefully even better than before.
WRDA 2024 wins for WNC
The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024 that passed the U.S. House and ImageSenate headed to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
This year’s WRDA includes three of my bills that promote dam safety and flood mitigation projects for four different WNC communities.
Significant flooding following Hurricane Helene underscored the importance of improving dam safety efforts to prevent catastrophic dam failures, protect lives and downstream communities, and make sure that dams continue to provide the services that Western North Carolinians depend on.
WNC is home to more than 750 dams, many of which are in poor or unsatisfactory condition, so this legislation is an important win for WNC by providing critical resources to keep our citizens and communities safe.
FEMA assistance deadline is quickly approaching
The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance for Western North Carolinians with disaster-relatedImage damage or loss from Hurricane Helene is Jan.7, 2025.
If you’re a farmer or ranch hand, you may also be eligible for FEMA assistance if your tools or equipment were damaged by Hurricane Helene.
Apply by January 7 in person at a Disaster Recovery Center, online at DisasterAssistance.gov or on the FEMA app, or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.
If you have already applied and need assistance with the process, call my office's helpline at 223-FIX-FEMA.
Announcing Senior Advisor/Legislative Director Ryan Dierker
ImageI’m excited to share that Ryan Dierker has been promoted in my office to senior advisor/legislative director.
Ryan has led the legislative operation for my team since day one at the start of the 118th Congress. He has used his vast knowledge of Capitol Hill, policy expertise, and research savviness in my office’s establishment of our initial legislative team and development of our work plan. He has guided the legislative team to an impressive level of output, with multiple bills passing the U.S. House and one with strong potential for enactment by the end of the Congress.
After Hurricane Helene devastated the 11th District, Ryan coordinated assistance for numerous constituents through contacts at FEMA, Duke Energy, and the Southeast Propane Association to name a few, and has worked to develop a disaster supplemental funding framework before any other office or committee had done so.
Wishing you joy and peace this holiday season
With my warmest regards,
Chuck Edwards
Member of Congress
WASHINGTON DC OFFICE
1505 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-6401
HENDERSONVILLE DISTRICT OFFICE
200 North Grove Street, Suite 121
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: (828) 435-7310
