In a powerful testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, Congresswoman Kathy Castor highlighted the urgent need for improved disaster response and recovery efforts following a devastating hurricane season that impacted both Florida and Western North Carolina. Castor's remarks underscored the emotional toll on communities grappling with grief, compounded by bureaucratic delays and miscommunication from FEMA.

Castor detailed the catastrophic effects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which wreaked havoc across Florida, causing unprecedented flooding and destruction. "Whole neighborhoods were ruined," she stated, emphasizing the dire situation faced by residents still recovering from the aftermath. The congresswoman called for immediate action to ensure that federal resources are effectively deployed to assist those in need, particularly small business owners struggling to rebuild.

She urged Congress to act swiftly on President Biden's proposed $98 billion disaster relief bill, stressing the importance of replenishing the Small Business Administration's funds to provide low-interest loans for homeowners and businesses. "They need Congress now to follow through with help in helping them rebuild their lives," Castor asserted.

In her testimony, Castor also pointed to the critical need for resilient infrastructure, advocating for smarter electrical systems and the implementation of microgrids to safeguard essential services during extreme weather events. "We've got to do a better job making sure that these places are safe and resilient," she said, highlighting the failures of the traditional power grid during recent storms.

As the committee session concluded, the urgency of Castor's message resonated: communities affected by these disasters require immediate and effective federal support to recover and rebuild. The call for action is clear—Congress must prioritize disaster readiness and response to protect vulnerable populations from future calamities.