Asheville Leaders Urge Congress to Pass Disaster Relief Bill
Asheville, N.C. – The chilly air isn’t just a reminder of winter; it’s also symbolizing the cold reality of the ongoing struggles faced by communities in Western North Carolina (WNC). In a heartfelt plea, local leaders, including Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer and Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers, gathered on Thursday to express their frustrations over the stalled $100 billion disaster relief bill aimed at assisting areas devastated by the deadly Helene hurricane.
Relief Bill Stuck in Limbo
Amidst ongoing deliberations in Washington, D.C., Manheimer and Smathers voiced their concerns, emphasizing that the *people of WNC* desperately need these federal funds to begin the recovery process. “I don’t really care what it takes,” Manheimer passionately stated. “It just needs to happen. The people of Western North Carolina need the help of the federal government.” Smathers echoed her sentiments, expressing the heartbreak of feeling abandoned by leaders in Washington, saying, “What is heartbreaking is, not just for Western North Carolina, but Washington has turned their back on us here and all of North Carolina.”
However, there’s a glimmer of hope as some local officials, like Amanda Edwards, the former Buncombe County Commission Chair, remain “cautiously optimistic.” Edwards highlighted the critical importance of community disaster relief funding, pointing out that it will play a vital role in helping the region start to rebuild its housing infrastructure.
Engagement from National Leaders
As the situation unfolds, many national leaders, from President-elect Donald Trump to Vice President-elect JD Vance, have taken the time to tour the affected areas, including Swannanoa. Their presence has basically reinforced the urgency of passing a relief package. It’s worth noting that WNC’s congressional representatives, including Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, along with Congressman Chuck Edwards, have been actively lobbying for the release of these essential funds.
During a recent news conference, Senator Tillis expressed his frustration that the relief bill was still in limbo. Promising to take a stand for his constituents, he declared, “I will filibuster and read thousands of letters from WNC if Congress tries to break before a package is passed.” This level of advocacy shows just how much the region’s leaders are willing to fight for their communities.
Positive Developments on the Horizon
Thursday night brought a flicker of light as news surfaced about a reworked government funding bill that would allocate much-needed local aid. This revamped package promises to send federal dollars to FEMA to assist hurricane victims and will focus on funding crucial initiatives like housing rebuilds, road reconstructions, and much-needed financial support for small businesses.
City councilwoman Maggie Ullman expressed her gratitude, stating, “I was so thankful that verbatim things from our collective ask were included in the first package earlier this week.” There’s a sense of relief, but local leaders like Smathers also emphasized the need for Congress to stay and finalize these crucial discussions. “At the very least, our elected leaders can stay there until they figure this out,” Smathers remarked.
The Urgency for Action
The ramifications could be dire if Congress fails to act promptly. “Congress has the ability to make it last a whole lot longer and hurt a whole lot more if they’re not able to act,” warned Manheimer. As of this week, the House had not been able to pass the latest proposal, with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise indicating that there won’t be any more votes on the bill for the night.
As snowfall begins to accumulate in areas across Avery, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell, Swain, and Yancey Counties, the need for urgent governmental support has never been clearer for the residents of WNC. The community watches closely as their leaders continue to advocate for the relief they desperately need. The hope is that brighter days are on the horizon as they await crucial action from Congress.
