FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 1997
CONTACT: Dana Hagerty 202/225-2165
WASHINGTON, DC -- The House of Representatives today passed the Supplemental Appropriations bill, which includes $500 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to assist flood victims in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.
"These funds will go to states and local governments to pay for buyouts, relocation, long term recovery and flood mitigation for Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota," Congressman Collin C. Peterson (DFL-7th District) said. "It gives states much more flexibility and streamlines the process for states to qualify for CDBG funds by waiving requirements for emergency situations."
The bill does contain a controversial provision which gives Congress an automatic continuing resolution should it not pass all appropriations bills on time, thus averting a government shut-down. President Clinton has threatened to veto the bill because of that provision.
"I'm not worried about the veto threat," Peterson said. "Even if the President does veto this bill, it will just come right back here, and we will correct the situation and get it back to him immediately."