FEMA Warns Of Funding Shortage For Disaster Response Efforts

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., seen on video screen, addresses Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Deanne Criswell, left, as she testifies in front a House Committe

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) chief, Deanne Criswell, expressed concerns about the dwindling funds available to assist communities affected by disasters following hurricanes Helene and Milton. During a Senate hearing, Criswell disclosed that FEMA's disaster relief fund, often referred to as the country's emergency checkbook, is now below $5 billion.

The Biden administration has requested nearly $100 billion in disaster aid from Congress, with a significant portion, around $40 billion, earmarked for FEMA's disaster relief fund. This fund is crucial for covering expenses such as debris removal, infrastructure rebuilding, and providing financial assistance to disaster survivors, including temporary housing costs.

Aside from FEMA, other federal agencies would also receive funding from the proposed aid package:

• $24 billion for farmers affected by crop or livestock losses
• $12 billion for the Department of Housing and Urban Development's block grant programs to aid in community recovery
• $8 billion for highway and bridge repair and reconstruction
• $4 billion for long-term water system upgrades to mitigate future disaster impacts

Although FEMA received $20.2 billion from a temporary government funding bill in September, a significant portion of that allocation was utilized for ongoing disaster recovery efforts. Criswell highlighted that FEMA is still managing over 100 disasters, with nearly $8 billion already disbursed in response to hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Biden administration requests $100 billion in disaster aid, $40 billion for FEMA.

FEMA's disaster relief fund drops below $5 billion post hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Funds allocated for debris removal, infrastructure rebuilding, and survivor assistance.

Additional funding needed to sustain FEMA's response capabilities for future emergencies.

Senators from affected states emphasize extensive damage and ongoing challenges in recovery.

With the disaster relief fund now below $5 billion, Criswell emphasized the urgent need for additional funding to sustain FEMA's response capabilities for future emergencies. She mentioned the possibility of reallocating funds from long-term projects to address immediate life-saving needs in upcoming disasters.

Senators from states heavily impacted by the hurricanes, such as Georgia and North Carolina, also shared insights during the hearing. They highlighted the extensive damage suffered by farmers, ranchers, and communities in their respective states, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the recovery process.

Criswell stressed the critical role of FEMA and federal partners in supporting communities facing increasingly frequent and severe disasters. The urgent call for supplemental funding reflects the pressing need to ensure adequate resources for effective disaster response and recovery efforts.