In the coming days, President Biden is expected to submit a detailed emergency funding request to Congress, according to a statement from the White House on Monday. This comes as administration officials urge lawmakers to allocate more funds in response to a series of recent natural disasters.
Multiple federal agencies, including the Small Business Administration, the Department of Agriculture, and FEMA, are facing funding shortages following Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton, and other severe weather events. Shalanda Young, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, addressed the situation in a memo to key stakeholders.
Young emphasized the urgent need for Congress to approve emergency funding, highlighting the critical recovery assistance required for affected communities. She noted that despite several requests made by the administration, Congress has yet to act. The last disaster aid package passed by lawmakers was in December 2022.
Biden’s administration calls for swift action from Congress to aid communities devastated by natural disasters
FEMA requires additional funds to support housing repairs, infrastructure rebuilding, and efforts to mitigate future storm damage, Young explained. The Small Business Administration is currently managing 36 disasters across 24 states, and without proper funding, it will struggle to provide necessary loans to impacted businesses.
Young pointed out that the Department of Agriculture needs more resources to aid rural areas, while the Department of Housing and Urban Development requires additional funds for its grant programs.
A comprehensive disaster relief package will be sent to Congress in the near future, Young confirmed. The administration is eager to work with lawmakers to ensure the swift passage of emergency funding to fulfill the federal government’s obligations to the American people.
Hurricane Helene, which struck Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas in September, caused over $50 billion in damage in North Carolina alone and resulted in more than 200 fatalities. Meanwhile, Hurricane Milton, which hit Florida in early October, killed over 30 people and caused additional billions in damages.
To prevent a government shutdown, Congress must pass a funding bill by December 20. The White House is expected to push for the inclusion of disaster relief funds in this critical legislation.
