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Congress Urged to Replenish Disaster Relief Funds
Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL) has called for Congress to reconvene immediately to provide additional funding for disaster relief.
Congress recently approved a stopgap funding measure that allowed FEMA to access $20 billion from its disaster relief fund, but the White House has requested additional funds for ongoing recovery efforts.
Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton have caused widespread damage in Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina, and FEMA anticipates needing additional funding in the future.
Despite the urgent need, congressional leaders have not yet called for lawmakers to return to Washington before Nov. 12.
Some bipartisan senators and House lawmakers have sent letters urging a return to session to address the issue. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson maintains that FEMA has sufficient funds until Congress reconvenes in November.
Rep. Frost argues that Congress should be proactive in providing more funding to prevent further damage during the ongoing hurricane season.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas also emphasized the need for Congress to act swiftly, as hurricane seasons are becoming more severe and frequent due to climate change.