Statements
DeSantis’s Endorsers Opposed Disaster Relief for Florida
Ron DeSantis’s shadow campaign received another endorsement yesterday, this time from fellow right-wing Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky. Not only has Massie built his reputation as one of the most extreme Republicans in Congress – he’s repeatedly tried to block desperately needed federal relief for hurricanes and natural disasters, including most recently, opposing crucial relief for Hurricane Ian recovery efforts in Florida.
“Ron DeSantis continues racking up endorsements from some of the most extreme members of Congress who repeatedly voted against sending disaster relief,” said Florida Democratic Party Spokesperson Devon Cruz. “For the guy who is governor of Florida, and wants to run for president, DeSantis sure seems focused on catering to the people who want to leave Floridians and hurricane victims behind.”
Here’s How DeSantis’s Endorsers Have Opposed Disaster Relief:
- In 2013, Massie opposed billions in crucial funding for Hurricane Sandy relief.
- In 2017, Massie was one of only three members of the House to vote against federal relief for Hurricane Harvey victims.
- In 2019, Massie worked to block federal aid for natural disaster victims across the country by voting against the original package, delaying its passage, and then voting against the final bill.
- In his first year in Congress, Chip Roy joined Massie in opposing federal aid for disaster victims across the country.
- That same year, Chip Roy voted against a relief package for victims of Hurricane Harvey after single-handedly delaying the package for months.
- In 2020, Massie refused to support sending billions of dollars in emergency relief to Puerto Rico and other US territories to recover from hurricanes and natural disasters.
- In 2021, Massie voted against a bill that would allow the government to continue supporting areas affected by natural disasters with federal aid.
- In 2022, as Florida was recovering from Hurricane Ian, Massie opposed a bill to send supplemental funding to the state for relief and recovery efforts. Chip Roy opposed the same funding for Hurricane Ian victims.
Despite his opposition to sending crucial aid to communities hit by natural disasters, Massie has repeatedly pushed for millions of dollars in federal aid to be sent to his home state for disaster relief.