Speaker Johnson Says FEMA Still Has Not Used Majority of Disaster Relief Funding

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) reiterated on Oct. 13 that FEMA does not require additional funding to aid victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, stating that the agency has only distributed 2 percent of the over $20 billion in disaster relief funding allocated by Congress. Johnson emphasized the importance of FEMA fulfilling its responsibilities and promptly delivering assistance to those in need. Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused extensive damage in the South, with ongoing assessments of the destruction caused by Milton in Florida. President Joe Biden and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas have expressed the need for more funding for FEMA, contrasting Johnson’s stance. Mayorkas mentioned that FEMA currently has enough resources for immediate assistance, while Biden hinted at the possibility of recalling Congress for supplementary relief funding. Despite calls for additional funding from other officials, Johnson maintains that Congress has already provided adequate resources for FEMA’s disaster response efforts. He stressed the urgency of FEMA expediting the distribution of existing funds to support storm victims effectively. FEMA’s website also addressed funding concerns, assuring that the agency has sufficient resources for immediate response and recovery needs, encouraging those affected by Hurricane Helene to seek assistance. “Please rewrite this passage.”

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