Congress’s Return ‘Can Wait’ Amid Hurricane Relief Concerns, Says House Speaker
In a surprising statement, House Speaker Mike Johnson declared that Congress’s return to session "can wait," even as the nation grapples with the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. With funding for hurricane relief in the spotlight, Johnson’s comments have raised eyebrows and sparked debate about the urgency of federal aid.
Before Hurricane Helene made landfall, Congress allocated a hefty $20 billion (£15.3 billion) to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to tackle immediate needs. However, Johnson revealed that as of this morning, less than 2% of that funding has actually been distributed. This slow rollout has left many questioning FEMA’s capacity to respond effectively to the devastation wrought by the recent storms.
The back-to-back hurricanes have wreaked havoc across several southeastern states, including Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and widespread destruction. The storms brought not only fierce winds but also catastrophic flooding, leaving communities in dire need of assistance.
In the wake of this disaster, lawmakers have been vocal about the need for Congress to reconvene from their pre-election break to approve additional funding for relief efforts. With FEMA’s resources stretched thin and demands for aid skyrocketing, many are urging swift action to support the affected regions.
However, Johnson maintains that Congress will stick to its planned schedule and will address the funding needs once states have completed their assessments of the storm damage. He emphasized the importance of having accurate reports before allocating further resources, suggesting that a measured approach is necessary.
Meanwhile, President Biden has been actively engaging with Congress, urging them to expedite the release of funds. "I’ve been talking to Congress to see if they can get the money quickly," he stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation. "It’s important."
As the nation watches closely, the question remains: will Congress heed the calls for immediate action, or will they stick to their timeline, leaving communities in limbo? With lives and livelihoods hanging in the balance, the pressure is on for lawmakers to prioritize hurricane relief and ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.
