(ReclaimingAmerica.net) – As natural disasters batter the nation with greater frequency and intensity, FEMA, the vital federal agency in charge of relief efforts, faces a severe funding crisis with its disaster relief fund dwindling to less than $5 billion.
Questions are arising about whether Congress will approve the nearly $100 billion requested by the Biden administration before America sees further calamity.
Without decisive government action, the agency’s ability to respond to new emergencies hangs by a thread.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is under severe financial strain.
With less than $5 billion left in its disaster relief fund, the agency struggles to respond to the increasing number of natural disasters across the nation.
Within just one month, over 2.4 million households registered for FEMA assistance, breaking prior records and pushing FEMA beyond its limits.
A total of $7.8 billion has already been allocated to tackle the immense damage caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The National Flood Insurance Program is similarly stressed, handling nearly 74,000 claims that combine to a jaw-dropping $843 million, ABC27 reports.
Administrator Deanne Criswell has starkly warned that FEMA’s response ability “could be jeopardized” without prompt congressional approval of additional funds.
Her statement echoes the desperate need for governmental intervention to avert a full-blown disaster aid crisis.
Calls are growing louder for Congress to act before the December 20 deadline, potentially including disaster aid in a continuing resolution to prevent a government shutdown.
With time running short, House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole stressed the urgency, saying, “I hope we can get this done before the end of this calendar year.”
House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole mentioned the possibility of including the aid in a continuing resolution.
Cole (R-OK) told reporters earlier this week that “there’s obviously a need,” adding: “I hope we can get this done before the end of this calendar year.”
Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg underscored the constant need for infrastructural recovery investments as the Biden administration seeks $40 billion to sustain disaster funding through fiscal 2025.
The White House has proposed a massive funding package, including $24 billion for the Department of Agriculture to handle disaster-related needs and infrastructure repair.
However, securing this aid won’t be automatic.
Some lawmakers from disaster-stricken areas pressure for swift funding, while others suggest making cuts to the proposed request.
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