Ranking Member Thompson, 36 Dems Introduce Resolution Condemning the Spreading of Disinformation and Malicious Rumors following Hurricanes Helene and Milton
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, led 36 Democrats in announcing the introduction of a Resolution (H.Res. 1555) strongly condemning the spreading of disinformation and malicious rumors that have led to threats against disaster response personnel, including FEMA employees, following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
“It is inexcusable that many, including elected officials and candidates for office, have weaponized and politicized a tragedy in the final days of the election season to spread disinformation and conspiracy theories for political gain regarding the response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton,” said Ranking Member Thompson. “First responders and the FEMA workforce come from across the country and work around the clock when disasters strike to help our communities respond and recover. Sadly, the reckless spread of disinformation and malicious rumors has hindered the response to these disasters and has prevented some from receiving the aid they deserve. Disaster survivors should be supported by Congress, other elected officials, and candidates for elected office – we all have a shared responsibility to ensure a disaster response is effective. I hope our colleagues from both sides of the aisle join us in supporting this resolution.”
"Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and more severe, putting more communities at risk and stretching FEMA’s resources thin," added Rep. Rick Larsen, Ranking Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “Congress must support FEMA as they help affected communities recover from Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Unfortunately, bad faith actors have spread malicious rumors and disinformation, putting FEMA workers at risk and preventing people in need from receiving necessary aid. T&I Democrats remain focused on supporting FEMA in their efforts to assist impacted communities for as long as it takes.”
Original co-sponsors include: Reps. Rick Larsen (D-WA), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Lou Correa (D-CA), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Seth Magaziner (D-RI), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Robert Garcia (D-CA), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Timothy M. Kennedy (D-NY), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-MP), Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA), Nikema Williams (D-GA), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Jim Costa (D-CA), André Carson (D-IN), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Greg Landsman (D-OH), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Ed Case (D-HI), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), and Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX).
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