FEMA to prioritize urgent funding for recent disasters as relief funds deplete.
The federal government’s disaster relief fund is taking action to prioritize funding for recent and upcoming disasters, according to officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
During a press briefing at the White House on Aug. 29, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced the implementation of Immediate Needs Funding for Hurricane Idalia, a Category 4 intensity hurricane expected to hit Florida’s Big Bend Gulf Coast. The funding will also support efforts to combat the deadly wildfires in Maui, Hawaii.
Ms. Criswell emphasized that the immediate needs funding will be used for any other extreme weather events on the horizon, as the United States enters peak hurricane season.
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Meanwhile, FEMA will continue to meet the immediate needs of survivors throughout the fiscal year. Ms. Criswell emphasized the importance of preparing the nation for extreme weather events while responding to current disasters.
To ensure the Disaster Relief Fund remains adequately funded, Immediate Needs Funding will be prioritized over long-term recovery and hazard mitigation projects until Congress takes action.
The current balance of the fund is $3.4 billion, according to Ms. Criswell.
While the immediate needs funding provides temporary relief, Ms. Criswell stressed that it is not a permanent solution.
Current Funding Will Last Until End of Year
Ms. Criswell urged Congress to work with FEMA on a supplemental request for $12 billion, which would sustain the fund until the end of the fiscal year. She emphasized that continuous monitoring of the fund’s health is necessary in case additional funding is required.
FEMA officials previously warned that the disaster relief fund could run dry within weeks without congressional action. However, lawmakers are not scheduled to return to the Capitol until Sept. 4.
According to FEMA’s latest report, the fund will face a $4 billion deficit by the end of September if it is not replenished.
Speaking to CBS, Ms. Criswell expressed concerns that the fund could run out by mid-September, but assured that the situation is being closely monitored.
In the meantime, some recovery projects will be delayed until the next fiscal year, Ms. Criswell added.
It remains uncertain whether Congress will approve the additional disaster funding, which is tied to emergency spending for Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion.
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and other lawmakers have called for separate consideration of critical funding for disaster relief programs and military aid for Ukraine.
Biden Admin ‘Playing Games With FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund’
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) accused the Biden administration of playing politics with FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund by linking domestic aid to foreign aid for Ukraine.
According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, the United States has already experienced 15 weather and climate disasters in 2023, resulting in numerous deaths and significant financial losses.
Despite the limited budget, FEMA remains committed to responding to and supporting multiple large events simultaneously.
“We do have several open recovery disasters that we can pull
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