FEMA Prepares for Helene and Milton Amid Funding Concerns
- FEMA has enough funds to respond to Hurricanes Helene and Milton but anticipates a funding shortfall for the remainder of the year.
- The agency has been using immediate needs funding and may need to access it again in the upcoming months due to financial constraints.
- FEMA is working with Congress to secure additional resources to cover recovery costs and ensure life-saving actions can continue.
On October 7, 2024, during a broadcast on Fox News Channel's 'Special Report,' FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell addressed the agency's financial situation regarding disaster response. She confirmed that while there are sufficient funds to manage the immediate responses to Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, the agency anticipates a shortfall for the remainder of the year. Criswell highlighted that FEMA has been utilizing immediate needs funding to support life-saving actions and may need to revisit this funding in the December-January timeframe. The ongoing financial strain is exacerbated by COVID-19 reimbursements from previous years, which have impacted the agency's ability to cover all recovery costs. FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks reassured that there is currently enough funding for the response and recovery efforts related to the recent hurricanes, but the long-term outlook remains uncertain as they work closely with Congress to secure additional resources for future needs.