FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 9, 2022
Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), formally requested both President Joe Biden and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear issue waivers authorizing the Commonwealth of Kentucky and communities affected by major disasters to use unspent COVID-19 relief funds to repair and rebuild homes and businesses damaged within a federally-declared disaster area.
Dr. Paul originally announced his intent to ask for these waivers during a press availability this morning in Perry County, Kentucky, after receiving an update from first responders and local officials on the status of rebuilding efforts following the devastating flooding across eastern Kentucky.
During President Biden’s visit on Monday, in remarks at a news briefing on response and recovery efforts held at Marie Roberts-Caney Elementary School in Lost Creek, KY, the President mentioned his openness to ideas on how to assist flood victims. Specifically, he stated, “I promise you, if it’s legal, we’ll do it, and if it’s not legal, we’ll figure out how to change the law.”
As Dr. Paul writes in his letters, “Such waivers would not only immediately benefit flood victims in eastern Kentucky, it would also help those western Kentuckians who were impacted by last winter’s tornado outbreak.”
You can read Dr. Paul’s letter to President Biden HERE and his letter to Governor Beshear HERE.
Dr. Paul is committed to doing all he can to assist local and state officials as they manage recovery and relief efforts. Our team has been on the ground since day one assisting Kentuckians and will continue to work alongside first responders and volunteers in the coming weeks and months. Our office is also helping those who are in need of help with the Disaster Relief process. If you are a Kentuckian in need of assistance with federal agencies, including applying for FEMA assistance and replacing lost or damaged documents such as Social Security cards, VA records, military medals and records, passports, and tax paperwork, you can contact our Bowling Green office and someone on our staff will be happy to help.
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