Reallocation of Hurricane Katrina Emergency Appropriations: Defense and Other Issues

Publication Date: December 2006

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Environment

Type:

Abstract:

As the first session of the 109th Congress draws to a close, some Members continue to address urgent needs from Hurricane Katrina funding. On October 28, 2005, the President proposed to reallocate $17.1 billion of the $60 billion in funds previously appropriated for disaster relief in two Katrina supplementals (P.L.109-61 and P.L.109-62). On the same day, the President submitted a request to rescind $2.3 billion to offset some of the costs of the federal response.

Congressional action on the reallocation and rescission proposals may occur before the first session of the 109th Congress adjourns if the package is attached to the FY2006 Defense Appropriations bill (H.R. 2863) or some other legislative vehicle. Some of the issues raised by the proposal include the following:

How would the reallocation of funds from FEMA affect recovery efforts?

What programs would receive additional funds and what is the urgency of those needs?

Is all of the proposed $2 billion payment to contractors for higher shipbuilding costs necessary and appropriate?

Are additional funds for these or other programs needed now to meet the needs of states, local governments, and other entities that continue to provide assistance to Hurricane Katrina victims?

What programs would be affected by the proposed rescissions?

This report will be updated as events warrant.