As Hurricane Helene wreaks havoc on several states in the Southeast, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is running out of funding to meet the immediate needs of affected communities. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas expressed concerns about FEMA’s ability to make it through the hurricane season, emphasizing the urgency for additional funding. Congress recently allocated $20 billion for FEMA’s disaster relief fund, but Mayorkas and other officials believe more funding may be necessary to support recovery efforts.
With hurricane season running from June 1 to Nov. 30, FEMA is facing significant challenges in providing aid and resources to communities impacted by natural disasters. Mayorkas highlighted the agency’s efforts in assessing damage, delivering essential supplies, and responding to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The agency is working tirelessly to assist affected households, but with another hurricane expected to hit, FEMA’s funds are running thin. Lawmakers are considering the possibility of passing a supplemental spending bill to allocate more resources towards recovery efforts in the affected states.
Despite the current allocation of funds, there are growing concerns about FEMA’s ability to respond effectively to the ongoing disaster. Lawmakers, including a bipartisan group of Senators from affected states, are urging Congress to take action and prioritize the needs of constituents. While both chambers of Congress are currently focused on campaigning, there is a call for legislators to reconvene and address the funding gaps faced by FEMA. House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the importance of ensuring that resources are appropriately allocated to support FEMA’s response efforts.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have embarked on visits to the Southeast to witness the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and show solidarity with affected communities. More than 150,000 households have registered for assistance with FEMA, and the number is expected to increase in the coming days. The impact of the hurricane was particularly severe in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where at least 57 people lost their lives. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper described the destruction as wiping communities off the map, highlighting the urgent need for additional support and resources to aid in recovery efforts.
As FEMA continues to grapple with limited funding and growing demands for assistance, the urgency for additional support from Congress becomes increasingly apparent. The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has underscored the importance of adequate resources to aid in recovery and rebuilding efforts in the affected states. With lawmakers considering the option of passing a supplemental spending bill, the focus remains on ensuring that FEMA has the necessary funds to navigate the challenges of the ongoing hurricane season. Efforts to address the funding gaps faced by FEMA and support affected communities are expected to continue in the coming weeks and months.
