(Radio Iowa) — The U-S House passed a bill that would provide billion of dollars for rebuilding and recovery for Americans impacted by natural disasters. Iowa Congresswoman, Cindy Axne, A Democrat from West Des Moines, spoke on the House floor. “Entire towns were under water, homes were destroyed, family farms were devastated, and small businesses are facing irreparable damage. Many local schools may be forced to permanently close their doors,” Axne says.

She says many Iowans have been impacted by the flooding. “I’ve been down to the flood zones multiple times to speak with farmers, homeowners and business owners who have lost everything,” Axne says. “Their resilience is inspiring — but the damage is heartbreaking.” Axne says it is important to get the aid to those in need.

“Experts believe that it could take years to repair all the damage — Iowans don’t have that time to wait. The National Weather Service shows Iowa will remain vulnerable to flooding all summer, and rivers are expected to stay high,”according to Axne. Democrats who control the House are pushing this bill forward. There were several attempts to add amendments to the bill during the debate.

The legislation includes three billion dollars to address recent flooding in the Midwest and other disasters, plus six-hundred million in nutrition assistance to Puerto Rico. Negotiations continue among Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Senate on a disaster aid package.