Rick Scott calls for Senate to return for hurricane relief efforts

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in Florida's Big Bend as a Category 4 storm, Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) has called for Congress to reconvene to address disaster relief needs. The hurricane, which struck late Thursday, caused significant damage and resulted in at least 100 fatalities across several southeastern states, including South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia. As the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducts damage assessments, Scott emphasized the necessity for immediate government support to aid recovery efforts. President Joe Biden indicated that he might request Congress to return for disaster relief legislation, although no final decision has been made. This situation has prompted bipartisan calls for action, with Democratic Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) expressing readiness to return to Washington to ensure FEMA is adequately funded. Congress had recently adjourned after passing a temporary spending bill, which did not include disaster relief funding due to time constraints. Lawmakers are not expected to reconvene until after the elections on November 12, raising concerns about the timely provision of resources to affected communities. The storm's impact has highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated federal response to assist families and businesses in recovering from the devastation. As assessments continue, the focus remains on ensuring that aid is deployed swiftly and effectively to support those in need.