U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) have called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to expedite reimbursements to local Florida governments grappling with budget shortfalls following the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Debby.
In a letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, the senators stressed the urgent need for outstanding reimbursements related to previous hurricanes, including Irma, Michael, Ian, and Idalia, to prevent disruptions in disaster recovery efforts.
The senators highlighted how these reimbursements could provide much-needed budget relief for municipalities struggling to pay wages, overtime, and other disaster response costs.
“Delivering outstanding FEMA reimbursements for past storms will help provide the budget flexibilities needed for a robust response to Helene,” the senators stated.
Rubio and Scott emphasized the importance of swift action to aid communities as they continue to recover from the compounded effects of multiple hurricanes.
FEMA Faces Funding Shortfall As Hurricane Season Continues
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is struggling to keep up with the financial demands of a devastating hurricane season, according to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
While FEMA can currently meet immediate needs, Mayorkas warned that the agency’s funds are insufficient to handle the remainder of the hurricane season, especially with another storm on the horizon, according to the Associated Press (AP).
“We are meeting the immediate needs with the money that we have. We are expecting another hurricane hitting,” Mayorkas told the AP. “FEMA does not have the funds to make it through the season.”
Read: AccuWeather Warns Of Potential Tropical Threat To Florida Following Hurricane Helene’s Devastation
This announcement comes as President Biden and Vice President Harris tour hurricane-ravaged areas in the Southeast, highlighting the urgent need for federal aid. Hurricane Helene, which recently tore through Florida and several other states, has left a trail of destruction, claiming over 160 lives and causing widespread flooding.
Congress Under Pressure to Provide More Funding
Mayorkas’s warning echoes concerns from President Biden and lawmakers about the need for a supplemental spending bill to support ongoing recovery efforts. Although Congress recently allocated $20 billion to FEMA’s disaster relief fund, it appears this will not be enough.
READ: Biden Deploys 1,000 Troops To North Carolina For Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts
With both chambers of Congress in recess until after the election, a bipartisan group of senators from affected states is urging their leadership to consider returning to session in October to address the funding shortfall.
However, House Speaker Mike Johnson has given no indication that he plans to alter the current schedule, stating that Congress has already provided sufficient funding and will ensure its proper allocation.
Devastation Highlights Urgent Needs
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Over 150,000 households have already registered for FEMA assistance, and this number is expected to rise significantly. The Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina were particularly hard hit, with at least 60 deaths and entire communities destroyed.
READ: Hurricane Helene Leaves Trail Of Destruction In North Carolina
As the hurricane season continues, the pressure is on Congress to act swiftly and provide FEMA with the necessary resources to support the ongoing recovery efforts and prepare for future storms.
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