Mayorkas warns FEMA doesn't have enough funding to last through hurricane season

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) lacks sufficient funding to last through the current hurricane season. While FEMA can address immediate needs, it is currently stretched thin as it responds to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has caused significant damage across several states, particularly in Florida and the Southeast, resulting in over 160 fatalities. Mayorkas indicated that additional funding may be necessary, echoing concerns from President Biden and lawmakers about the potential need for a supplemental spending bill to support recovery efforts. Although Congress recently allocated $20 billion to FEMA's disaster relief fund, lawmakers are currently in their home districts campaigning and may not reconvene until after the election. A bipartisan group of Senators has urged leadership to consider returning to address the urgent needs of their constituents. The number of households seeking assistance from FEMA has surpassed 150,000 and is expected to increase. The devastation has been particularly severe in North Carolina, where entire communities have been significantly impacted.

- FEMA lacks sufficient funding to continue operations through hurricane season.

- Hurricane Helene has caused extensive damage and over 160 deaths across multiple states.

- Congress may need to pass a supplemental spending bill for recovery efforts.

- A bipartisan group of Senators is advocating for immediate congressional action.

- Over 150,000 households have registered for FEMA assistance, with numbers expected to rise.