Hurricane Helene Relief Faces Funding Crisis

Hurricane Helene has highlighted a potential funding crisis for FEMA, as the agency may run out of funds before the end of the hurricane season, despite a recent $20 billion allocation. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas confirmed that FEMA can meet immediate needs but lacks resources for long-term recovery efforts, prompting calls for Congress to reconvene and pass a supplemental aid package. This urgency is underscored by the bipartisan plea from lawmakers for disaster relief, particularly for the agricultural sector, which has suffered significant losses. Controversy surrounds FEMA's past allocations, with claims that funds intended for disaster relief were diverted to support noncitizens, sparking public criticism. President Biden has indicated a possible request for emergency supplemental funding to address the devastation caused by Helene, which has resulted in over 200 fatalities and hundreds unaccounted for. Congress is currently in recess, and there is pressure to return early to address these pressing needs.