The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) lacks sufficient funds to last through the hurricane season, but can address immediate needs, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told reporters on Wednesday.
FEMA is stretched thin as it collaborates with states to assess the damage from Hurricane Helene, delivering meals, water, generators, and other essential supplies. The storm hit Florida last week before sweeping across several Southeastern states, flooding towns and killing over 160 people.
While Mayorkas did not specify how much additional funding FEMA might need, his comments aboard Air Force One echoed concerns raised by Biden and several lawmakers earlier this week. Many believe that Congress may have to pass a supplemental spending bill this fall to help states with recovery efforts.
“We are meeting the immediate needs with the money that we have. We are expecting another hurricane to hit,” Mayorkas said. “FEMA does not have the funds to make it through the season.”
The hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, typically peaks in September and October.
Recently, Congress provided FEMA with a $20 billion boost to its disaster relief fund as part of a short-term government spending bill, which extends funding through December 20. This bill also allows FEMA more flexibility to access the funds quickly. However, with lawmakers focusing on upcoming elections, both chambers of Congress are scheduled to be in their home states until after the election. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., indicated no plans to alter the schedule, stating that FEMA had already been provided with necessary resources.
A bipartisan group of Senators from affected states called for action, urging congressional leaders to consider reconvening in October to address the growing needs.
FEMA has already registered over 150,000 households for assistance, a number that is expected to surge, according to agency representative Frank Matranga. The Blue Ridge Mountains, particularly around Asheville, North Carolina, suffered some of the worst devastation, with at least 57 people confirmed dead. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper described the scene at a Tuesday press conference: “Communities were wiped off the map.”
