Washington, D.C. — Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, today released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 502, Making Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief, which will provide supplemental funding for victims of Hurricane Harvey.

“I am saddened by the loss of life and damage sustained as a result of Hurricane Harvey, and I am concerned for the wellbeing of all our neighbors who have been affected by the storm. This major hurricane and subsequent flooding caused significant damage to southeast Texas and parts of Louisiana. While some of the losses will be covered by insurance, this initial supplemental emergency funding will pay for rescue efforts and the first steps of the recovery process. While we must help our neighbors in need, we also must remain good stewards of Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars. Congress must ensure these appropriations are used only for what they are intended – emergency disaster relief.”