Biden Asks For $100 Billion

The Biden administration is pushing Congress to approve a new supplemental funding package for disaster relief and recovery, totaling approximately $100 billion. This request, outlined in a letter from President Joe Biden to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), seeks $40 billion to replenish the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) and another $2 billion to restock the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program. The funds are urgently needed due to the ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricanes Milton and Helene, which continue to strain federal resources well into the new year.

While FEMA and the White House insist that there is bipartisan support for additional disaster aid, the request is far from guaranteed to pass without complications. The funding proposal is especially contentious as Republicans in Congress, including Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), have raised concerns about FEMA’s handling of disaster relief, particularly regarding perceived political bias. This has led to some resistance to quickly moving the package forward, despite the urgent need for assistance in hard-hit areas. For example, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) attempted to pass disaster relief funding on the Senate floor last week, only to see it blocked by Senator Paul.

However, FEMA officials remain optimistic. Shalanda Young, director of the Office of Management and Budget, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell both emphasized the importance of bipartisan collaboration to secure the necessary relief. Criswell also highlighted that FEMA has already spent over $7.5 billion in response to Hurricanes Milton and Helene, making it one of the most expensive disaster recovery operations in recent years. FEMA’s top priority, she stressed, remains saving lives and ensuring that communities can begin rebuilding.

The funding request also comes amid controversy surrounding FEMA’s actions in Florida. A whistleblower has accused FEMA officials of avoiding outreach to residents in areas displaying support for President Trump. Florida has even filed a lawsuit against FEMA over these claims, which the Biden administration is investigating. With Congress back in session and the 2024 election season ramping up, it’s clear that while disaster relief should be above politics, it’s likely to remain a point of contention on Capitol Hill.

As Republicans take a more prominent role in the Senate in January and President Trump prepares for his second term, the fate of this funding request remains uncertain. The Biden administration, however, continues to assert that disaster relief should remain a bipartisan issue and has expressed confidence in securing the necessary resources to assist affected communities.