President Joe Biden is urging Congress to end its recess early and return to Capitol Hill to approve emergency funding for hurricane recovery. Biden criticized Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump for spreading misinformation about the federal government’s response to hurricanes Helene and Milton, calling it irresponsible. He also emphasized that the $750 payment from FEMA is not the only aid available to those affected by the hurricanes.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton brought devastation to multiple states, with over 230 deaths reported. Trump released a video on social media promising help to Florida residents if he is elected president. However, FEMA has clarified that no money is being diverted from disaster response needs to noncitizens.
Biden emphasized the urgent need for emergency funding for the Small Business Administration to assist natural disaster survivors. While FEMA currently has sufficient funding, the SBA requires additional resources to support recovery efforts. Biden did not disclose a specific amount for the funding request but stressed the importance of immediate action from Congress.
Despite calls from numerous lawmakers to reconvene for emergency spending legislation, both Republican leadership in the House and Democratic leaders in the Senate have not yet summoned lawmakers back to Washington, D.C. The Office of Management and Budget has not released the supplemental spending request necessary to kick off the process. Biden emphasized the need for swift action from Congress in order to support the long-term rebuilding efforts following the hurricanes.
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