Congress faces funding crisis as FEMA struggles with depleted disaster relief resources
December 31, 2024 | Transportation and Infrastructure: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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The U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure convened on December 31, 2024, to discuss critical issues surrounding the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) disaster readiness and response capabilities. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the depletion of FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) and the agency's effectiveness in managing disaster aid.
Chairman Sam Graves opened the session by addressing the alarming depletion of the DRF, which has recently been reduced to approximately $13.1 billion after FEMA obligated $8.8 billion for previously delayed projects. This situation raises concerns about the agency's ability to respond to future disasters, especially as preliminary estimates indicate that the costs associated with hurricanes Milton and Helene alone could exceed $170 billion.
Graves emphasized the need for FEMA to streamline its processes and work more efficiently with federal, state, and local partners. He expressed frustration over the slow pace of aid distribution, particularly in light of recent disasters, and noted that despite Congress's efforts to cut red tape, FEMA's response has not significantly improved.
Ranking member Dina Titus echoed these concerns, linking the increasing frequency and severity of disasters to climate change. She pointed out that this year's hurricane season has already seen FEMA respond to 89 presidentially declared emergencies, underscoring the growing demand for disaster assistance. Titus stressed the importance of adequate funding for the DRF, noting that the current budget is insufficient to meet ongoing recovery needs.
The committee also discussed FEMA's controversial provision of sheltering assistance to undocumented immigrants, which has reportedly cost taxpayers over $1 billion since 2019. This issue has raised questions about FEMA's priorities and resource allocation, with some committee members arguing that the agency should focus on assisting American citizens affected by disasters.
As the meeting concluded, both Graves and Titus called for Congress to pass a supplemental funding request from President Biden, which includes $440 million for FEMA. They emphasized that this funding is crucial for supporting communities and individuals impacted by disasters, ensuring that FEMA can continue its vital work in disaster recovery and preparedness.
Chairman Sam Graves opened the session by addressing the alarming depletion of the DRF, which has recently been reduced to approximately $13.1 billion after FEMA obligated $8.8 billion for previously delayed projects. This situation raises concerns about the agency's ability to respond to future disasters, especially as preliminary estimates indicate that the costs associated with hurricanes Milton and Helene alone could exceed $170 billion.
Graves emphasized the need for FEMA to streamline its processes and work more efficiently with federal, state, and local partners. He expressed frustration over the slow pace of aid distribution, particularly in light of recent disasters, and noted that despite Congress's efforts to cut red tape, FEMA's response has not significantly improved.
Ranking member Dina Titus echoed these concerns, linking the increasing frequency and severity of disasters to climate change. She pointed out that this year's hurricane season has already seen FEMA respond to 89 presidentially declared emergencies, underscoring the growing demand for disaster assistance. Titus stressed the importance of adequate funding for the DRF, noting that the current budget is insufficient to meet ongoing recovery needs.
The committee also discussed FEMA's controversial provision of sheltering assistance to undocumented immigrants, which has reportedly cost taxpayers over $1 billion since 2019. This issue has raised questions about FEMA's priorities and resource allocation, with some committee members arguing that the agency should focus on assisting American citizens affected by disasters.
As the meeting concluded, both Graves and Titus called for Congress to pass a supplemental funding request from President Biden, which includes $440 million for FEMA. They emphasized that this funding is crucial for supporting communities and individuals impacted by disasters, ensuring that FEMA can continue its vital work in disaster recovery and preparedness.
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