Number: RL32581
Title: Supplemental Appropriations for the 2004 Hurricanes and Other Disasters
Authors: Keith Bea, Government and Finance Division; and Ralph M. Chite, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: President Bush signed the Military Construction Appropriations Act, FY2005 (H.R. 5212, P.L. 108-324) on October 13, 2004. Division B of the statute comprises the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane Disasters Assistance Act, FY2005, which appropriated an estimated $14.5 billion for disaster assistance. The President's approval followed weeks of debate over four supplemental appropriations requests submitted to Congress after a series of hurricanes struck Florida and other states in August and September. Prior to approval of H.R. 5212, the 108th Congress had expeditiously enacted legislation (H.R. 5005) on September 6 that appropriated $2 billion for disaster relief needed in the immediate aftermath of Hurricanes Charles and Frances; the President signed the legislation (P.L. 108-303) on September 7. Another active Atlantic hurricane season has been experienced in 2005, climaxing with the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina when it struck the Gulf states on August 29, 2005. As the 109th Congress deliberates the federal response to Hurricane Katrina, assistance similar to that provided following the 2004 hurricanes, and described in this report, might be considered.
Pages: 16
Date: September 1, 2005