WASHINGTON— U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) joined Senator David Vitter (R-LA) to introduce the bipartisan National Disaster Relief Tax Act to provide tax relief for disaster victims from 2012 through 2015, including the recent Red River flooding in northwest Louisiana.
“This provides tax relief to families and businesses in parishes affected by the Red River flooding and in communities across the country that have experienced disasters in recent years,” Cassidy said. “Working with Senator Vitter and others, we must continue pushing for resources to help our communities recover when they need it most.”
“Folks across Louisiana know all too well the damage that serious flooding can cause. Just this past month, communities along the Red River suffered severe damage as a result of recent flooding,” Vitter said. “Our legislation will ensure that folks get the assistance they need when disasters strike.”
Cosponsors include Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ).
Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY) has introduced the House version, with Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) and other bipartisan cosponsors.
Earlier this week Dr. Cassidy announced that the Louisiana parishes affected by the Red River flooding are eligible for Public Assistance after the President made a Disaster Declaration. He previously visited the flooded areas to survey the damage with Bossier Parish Sheriff Julian Whittington, Shreveport Mayor Ollie Tyler and meet with and help volunteers. He also joined Senator David Vitter and Representatives John Fleming and Ralph Abraham in questioning federal agencies on their inaccurate cresting predictions for the Red River, which crested 3 feet higher than expected and resulted in flood damage across Northwest Louisiana.