President Joe Biden said this week that he may recall Congress from recess to pass new disaster aid following Hurricane Helene, which exhausted federal disaster funds.
Andres Picon reports for E&E News.
In short:
- Hurricane Helene caused severe damage, and the cost of recovery may reach $160 billion.
- FEMA’s disaster fund is nearly empty, and the agency may face funding shortages soon without new congressional action.
- Biden requested billions in additional disaster relief last year, but lawmakers have yet to approve the funds.
Key quote:
“This is a historic storm; it’s devastating.”
— President Joe Biden
Why this matters:
Hurricanes are becoming more destructive, straining federal disaster resources. Without immediate congressional funding, recovery efforts may stall, worsening the long-term impacts on affected communities like Asheville, North Carolina.
Related: FEMA faces potential funding shortfall amid increasing natural disasters
