Congressman Edwards Votes in Favor of the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) voted to keep the federal government funded and continue critical Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.

“Every vote I cast is focused on the needs of Western North Carolina. Our mountain communities need federal resources to continue rebuilding, and shutting down the government depletes critical funding streams, halts ongoing recovery projects, and delays necessary reimbursements. As we approach the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, I voted in favor of a $22.5 billion increase to FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund and keep our recovery projects in motion. This bill would take a giant leap towards fulfilling Governor Stein’s additional request,” said Congressman Edwards.

The Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026 includes a spend fast anomaly that will add $22.5 billion to FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), a fund that is used for response and recovery efforts associated with major disasters and emergencies that overwhelm State resources pursuant to the Stafford Act. If the Continuing Resolution fails, the DRF will deplete to $1.4 billion in usable funds with $3 billion in unusable reserves by September 30.

Congressman Edwards’ vote to increase the DRF follows a meeting with Governor Stein and bipartisan members of the North Carolina delegation to discuss the Governor's most recent request for $13.5 billion in new funding for Helene recovery. Much of the Governor’s request could be satisfied by an increased DRF.

The legislation also keeps agencies that play critical roles in ongoing Helene recovery like FEMA, HUD, and USDA funded and operational. In the last two weeks, Congressman Edwards highlighted the announcements of millions of dollars of funding from FEMA and USDA.

In addition to disrupting Helene recovery, a government shutdown would have damaging effects nationwide. The resolution will now be considered in the Senate. 

###