PREPARE-ing for Extreme Weather

Dear John,

This week, I celebrated a major milestone in my legislative career. I introduced by 150^th bipartisan bill, the most of any Democrat. I was joined by the Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority and Forty-Fort Borough leadership as I announced my plans to reintroduce The PREPARE Act. This bill will improve our national readiness for extreme weather events like the Agnes Flood that devasted Northeastern Pennsylvania in ’72 and Hurricane Ian that tore through Florida a few weeks ago. Thanks to the PREPARE Act, we’ll work on enhancing our nation’s ability to withstand and recover from extreme weather, saving lives and financial costs.

The PREPARE Act will:

Create an interagency oversight council to implement government-wide resilience, preparedness and risk management priorities
Ensure proper funding and implementation for these initiatives.
Identify regional issues and direct federal, state and local planners to facilitate the adoption of resilience, preparedness, and risk management best practices.
Require agencies to incorporate extreme weather in planning activities and minimize cost.
Establish a regional coordination plan to ensure greater cooperation and information sharing to ensure cost-effectiveness.

I’m grateful for Republican cosponsors Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), David Rouzer (NC), Doug LaMalfa (CA) and Jennifer Gonzalez-Colon (Puerto Rico) for joining me in putting people over politics and knowing the benefit of working across the aisle for the American people.

You can read The Times Leader's coverage of the event here.

A group of people stand with Congressman Cartwright in the middle in front of a levee

from l-r: Brian Thomas, Forty-Fort Borough Mayor; Laura Holbrook, LCFPA Mitigation and Outreach Specialist; Christopher J. Belleman, LCFPA Executive Director; Bonnie Arnone, Forty-Fort Borough Manager; Thomas Murray, Forty-Fort Borough Council President; Rick Kamus, Forty-Fort Department of Public Works Foreman

Assistance for Pike County Agriculture Businesses

Image of vibrant green corn stocks illuminated by a bright burst of sun.

October 12 was National Farmer’s Day, and in continued celebration of the agricultural industry, I’m proud to share news of financial support for farms through the Small Business Administration. Pike County small businesses, such as agricultural cooperatives, businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations are eligible for loans to help with economic losses from the drought that began Aug. 9. You can learn more and apply for the program here.

Pittston City Mayor on Top

Pittston Mayor Mike Lombardo smiles and holds a plaque outside next to a metal sculpture

Congratulations to Pittston’s Mayor Mike Lombardo who was elected president of the Pennsylvania Municipal League. Earlier this summer, he was named the Pennsylvania Mayor of the Year. Working with effective local leaders is always a pleasure, and Mayor Lombardo is one of the best. Stay tuned, we’ll soon be announcing new federal funds for Pittston’s Police Department.

Defending Democracy in Europe

Since the Russian invasion earlier this year, the United States has been a proud and strong ally to Ukraine. This weekend, I’ll be joining The Honorable John F. Tefft, former US Ambassador to Russia, Ukraine and Lithuania, and my colleague Representative Dan Meuser for a talk on “The US Stake in the Ukraine-Russian War” at the Friedman Jewish Community Center. I’m looking forward to sharing how Congress has helped provide military, economic and humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine over the past eight months. I know it will be an evening of rich conversation and discussion. Check back next week for highlights from this event.

As we reach peak season for fall foliage, I hope you’ll take some time this weekend to get outdoors and enjoy the great beauty of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Be safe and well,

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