A group of bipartisan senators from states affected by Hurricane Helene are urging Congress to approve additional resources to aid in the recovery efforts after the storm. They are asking for emergency session before Election Day to address the billions of dollars in damage caused by the hurricane, which has resulted in at least 144 fatalities and hundreds of missing persons across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia. The senators are calling on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to take action and ensure that legislation is enacted before the end of the year.
President Joe Biden has approved disaster declarations for Florida and North Carolina, and has hinted at seeking additional funding from Congress for the affected states. However, there has been resistance from House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has suggested that FEMA already has the necessary funding to respond to the disaster.
While Congress is currently out of session until at least Nov. 12, lawmakers from affected states are pushing for a return to Washington to approve additional funds for disaster relief. The funding extension passed last week includes $20 billion for FEMA, but this is seen as an extension of current funding levels rather than additional aid for disaster relief programs. The senators are emphasizing the urgent need for Congress to act swiftly in addressing the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Helene.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com
