The U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure convened to address the urgent need for disaster relief funding in the wake of Hurricane Selena and Hurricane Milton, which devastated the southeastern U.S., claiming over 200 lives and causing an estimated $170 billion in damages. The meeting highlighted the dire situation in regions like Western North Carolina, where many residents still lack access to drinkable water due to damaged infrastructure.

Committee members emphasized the critical need for Congress to pass a disaster supplemental funding bill immediately. With the Small Business Administration's Disaster Fund depleted for over a month, more than 11,000 disaster survivors are awaiting financial assistance. The committee underscored that FEMA's disaster relief fund is nearing dangerously low levels, with less than $5 billion remaining—an insufficient amount given the scale of recent disasters.

Representatives called for swift action to approve President Biden's request for $100 billion in disaster supplemental funding. They stressed that survivors should not be left in uncertainty about their aid, as they focus on rebuilding their lives after catastrophic events.

The meeting also addressed the growing issue of misinformation following disasters, which has hindered recovery efforts and endangered relief workers. Past incidents, such as false reports after Hurricane Katrina and the Maui wildfires, were cited as examples of how misinformation can breed chaos and distrust in federal assistance. The committee urged collaboration with FEMA to combat this trend and ensure accurate information reaches affected communities.

In a pointed critique, committee members condemned the amplification of false claims by political figures, including the president-elect, which they argued undermines public trust in disaster response efforts. They reiterated the importance of correcting misinformation and ensuring that disaster survivors receive the support they need.