| Ensuring Our Disaster Response Isn’t Caught Flatfooted The Small Business Administration’s mismanagement of its disaster fund has hindered our ability to support Hurricanes Helene and Milton victims. Anytime our nation faces a natural disaster, we should have the necessary resources to address the aftermath. I introduced the SBA Disaster Transparency Act, which requires the Small Business Administration to make its monthly reporting requirements for the Disaster Loan Account available to the public. I am glad to be leading this effort with my colleagues to bring more oversight to the SBA and ensure our disaster response isn’t caught flatfooted. Read more about the legislation here! Sickle Cell Awareness Resolution Passes the Senate This week, a resolution I introduced with Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) designating September 2024 as Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month unanimously passed the Senate! Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States, affecting one in every 365 Black newborns. Yet despite the prevalence of SCD, research and treatments remain far too limited. The passage of this resolution speaks to our commitment to raising awareness and seeking out legislation that will help our medical community fight–and, one day, cure–this painful disease. Read more about the resolution here! Political Discrimination in the Wake of a Disaster is Unacceptable The federal government is supposed to serve all Americans, not just the ones they agree with. Political discrimination in the wake of a disaster is unacceptable. That’s why I joined Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and 15 Republican colleagues in a letter to U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell expressing concern over recent reports that a FEMA employee advised disaster assistance teams in Florida responding to Hurricane Milton to avoid homes that had yard signs supporting President-elect Donald Trump. Read about the letter here. | 