US President Joe Biden expressed his gratitude towards the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for their efforts in handling Hurricane Idalia and the fires in Maui, Hawaii. Speaking at the FEMA National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) in Washington, DC, Biden acknowledged the team’s dedication.
To address FEMA’s depleted funds, the White House has requested an additional $4 billion from Congress. This supplement comes after a previous request of $12 billion, which was part of a $40 billion stopgap funding appeal. It also coincides with the White House’s call for Congress to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government during ongoing budget negotiations.
The need for these extra funds arises from recent disasters, including fires in Hawaii and Louisiana, as well as flooding in Florida caused by Hurricane Idalia and Vermont. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell warned that without replenishment, the disaster relief fund will be exhausted by early September. Consequently, FEMA has shifted its focus to immediately supporting those affected by ongoing and upcoming disasters, prioritizing recovery efforts over past incidents.
Criswell emphasized the importance of Congress collaborating with FEMA on the supplemental request made by the administration. While immediate needs funding temporarily sustains disaster response, it is not a lasting solution. The permanent resolution lies in cooperation and action from Congress.
President Joe Biden visited FEMA headquarters to show appreciation for the agency’s work and assure affected Americans that the federal government will support their recovery efforts. He urged Congress to swiftly act on the FEMA request, stressing the urgency of the situation. Congress is currently on August recess, but the Senate will reconvene next week, followed by the House the week after. Biden intends to assess the damage caused by Idalia in Florida during his visit on Saturday.
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