WASHINGTON – This afternoon, Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) announced the introduction of bipartisan legislation to make communities affected by catastrophic Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) "Major Disaster" relief funding.

HABs occur when toxin-producing algae grow excessively in a particular body of water. Exposure to toxic HABs can cause severe harm to personal health and may cause long-term damage to marine ecosystems—specifically by injecting harmful toxins into consumable fish, the clean drinking water supply, and the open air surrounding a particular body of water.

HABs have significantly increased across America over the past 40 years and no state has been hit harder by this damaging phenomenon than the State of Florida.

"The Harmful Algal Bloom Disaster Relief Act" is co-led by Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL) and specifically amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include algal blooms in the definition of a major disaster. Congressman Donalds released the following statement:

"The spread of Harmful Algal Blooms has destroyed our fresh water ecosystems, disrupted our communities, and has caused debilitating economic damage," said Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL). "The catastrophic devastation caused by this phenomenon is by definition a 'Major Disaster' and it's time that FEMA acknowledges reality. This is why I introduced 'The Harmful Algal Bloom Disaster Relief Act' to ensure that affected communities across the Sunshine State and the nation are applicable for FEMA federal disaster relief. The time for action is here and it's imperative that Congress passes this common-sense, bipartisan bill on behalf of the American people."

More:

• Read Text of "The Harmful Algal Bloom Disaster Relief Act" HERE.
• See "The Harmful Algal Bloom Disaster Relief Act" Social Media Summary Graphics HERE.