Washington, D.C. (September 15, 2021) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today released the following statement after House Democrats on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee rejected the MALDEN Act during its reconciliation markup of President Joe Biden’s $3.5 trillion tax and spending spree:

“As Democrats forge ahead with their unprecedented $3.5 trillion tax and spending spree, the American people are struggling. Rejecting the MALDEN Act at a time when rural communities are pleading for federal disaster assistance is the very definition of putting politics before people. Refusing to take an opportunity to help Americans in need just to ram through partisan legislation does not make our country better, it only further erodes trust in our process. I am grateful to Congressman LaMalfa for his commitment to rural Americans and for offering this important amendment.”

During yesterday’s markup, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) introduced the MALDEN Act as an amendment to House Democrats’ $3.5 trillion reconciliation package. His amendment would:

• Require the president to approve or deny a disaster declaration request within 30 days. If the request is not denied within 30 days, then it is approved.
• Require FEMA to provide guidance to local emergency managers on developing a recovery team, as well as identify short and long-term recovery resources, including resources to prevent secondary natural disasters like flooding, mudslides and rockslides.
• Instruct FEMA to work with the state emergency management agency to make disaster case workers available for rural communities in the event that a request for Individual Assistance is made and denied.

“Our people and our rural counties are struggling. I’m grateful that many of our disasters had quick approval by Presidents of both parties, but many others are still waiting. Shasta, Siskiyou, and Trinity Counties are still waiting on approval of their disaster requests,” said LaMalfa. Americans in need shouldn’t be a political football. Yet, right now partisan politics is blocking needed reforms in Congress. The American people need to know this a poorly crafted $3.5 trillion dollar budget that includes trillions in new taxes and not a single bipartisan or Republican proposal. It’s a sham and blocking even basic non-partisan reforms should show the public the Majority isn’t serious about governing.”

The amendment was rejected by a vote of 27-39.

CLICK HERE to watch the introduction of the amendment.

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