SE North Carolina News

Senators Ted Budd, Tim Scott, Thom Tillis, and Marsha Blackburn have introduced the SBA Disaster Transparency Act. This legislation mandates that the Small Business Administration (SBA) publicly disclose its monthly reports on the Disaster Loan Account.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been following a similar transparent reporting model for its Disaster Relief Fund since 2015.

Senator Budd emphasized the importance of transparency in disaster recovery efforts: "As we continue working to provide Western North Carolina with the resources they need to recover and rebuild, we must make sure these new taxpayer dollars are spent effectively and transparently. That’s why I’m proud to support Senator Tim Scott’s SBA Disaster Transparency Act. This commonsense bill will hold SBA accountable and help increase public trust."

Senator Tim Scott highlighted the necessity of oversight: "In the wake of these devastating storms, bringing transparency and accountability to the SBA is the only path forward. Anytime our nation faces a natural disaster, we should have the necessary resources to address the aftermath. When Congress isn’t notified that agency funding levels are nearing empty, the American people will without question suffer. I am glad to be leading this effort with my colleagues to bring more oversight to the SBA and ensure our disaster response isn’t caught flatfooted."

Senator Tillis pointed out how recent disasters affected his constituents: "North Carolinians, including countless small business owners, were hit hard by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. This common-sense legislation will bring greater transparency to the SBA’s disaster relief program, ensuring administrative accountability at SBA so those affected by Hurricane Helene and future natural disasters receive the support they need to rebuild their lives."

Senator Blackburn stressed transparency for rebuilding communities: "Communities in Tennessee and across the country that are rebuilding from natural disasters deserve full transparency on how federal dollars are being spent towards recovery. The SBA Disaster Transparency Act would require monthly reporting for the Disaster Loan Account to be open to the public."