The White House has made an urgent appeal to Congress, seeking an additional $4 billion in funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This request comes at a critical time, as FEMA’s disaster relief fund has dwindled to a mere $3.4 billion due to a series of significant disasters. It is worth noting that this request is separate from the $12 billion request made just last month for FEMA’s disaster relief fund, which is part of a larger $40 billion funding proposal. The timing of this plea coincides with the White House’s call for a continuing resolution to fund the government amidst ongoing budget negotiations.
The need for these extra funds is underscored by recent catastrophic events, such as wildfires in Hawaii and Louisiana, Hurricane Idalia’s devastating impact in Florida, and severe flooding in Vermont back in July. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell warned that without replenishment, the disaster relief fund would run dry by the first half of September. Consequently, FEMA is prioritizing immediate relief efforts for those affected by the most recent disasters, temporarily putting recovery efforts from past disasters on hold. Criswell stressed that while immediate funding is crucial, it is not a permanent solution, emphasizing the importance of congressional cooperation on the administration’s supplemental request for FEMA.
President Joe Biden expressed his gratitude to FEMA personnel during a visit to the agency’s headquarters, promising continued federal support for those affected by disasters. He called on Congress to swiftly approve the necessary funds to ensure FEMA can respond effectively to both immediate crises and long-term commitments, such as the ongoing recovery efforts in Maui and other affected regions. Although Congress is currently on an August recess, the Senate is set to reconvene next week, with the House returning the following week. President Biden urged lawmakers to expedite the FEMA funding request, emphasizing the urgency of the situation, as he plans to personally assess the damage caused by Hurricane Idalia during his visit to Florida on Saturday.
(Source: Associated Press | News 1)
