President Biden has formally alerted Congress that a crucial loan program designed to assist disaster victims is on the verge of depletion. This comes at a critical juncture as many Americans affected by Hurricane Helene are in need of immediate assistance.
The Small Business Administration’s disaster loans program is vital for helping homeowners and renters make repairs and assisting businesses with operational costs. Administration officials indicate that approximately $1.6 billion is necessary to maintain funding for the program throughout the year.
Despite Congress being in recess until November 12, Biden highlighted the urgency of the situation, warning that the program may exhaust its funds before the return of legislators.
“I signaled Congress about this possible funding shortfall prior to Hurricane Helene’s landfall,” Biden stated, emphasizing that multiple requests for funding were made in preceding months, including during negotiations for a temporary funding bill.
“Congress must act swiftly to restore this critical funding,” Biden urged, after assessing damage in four states impacted by the hurricane.
Hurricane Response Emerges as Key Election Issue
Hurricane Helene caused extensive devastation across North Carolina and Georgia, two pivotal states ahead of the upcoming federal elections.
The federal response to this disaster has been scrutinized and has become a talking point in the campaign, with the administration eager to demonstrate its preparedness and efforts to aid those affected.
Biden described the federal response as “robust and well-coordinated,” assuring that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) currently possesses sufficient resources, although additional funding will be required by year’s end.
Vice President Harris has been active in the recovery efforts, visiting Georgia to provide support to victims and engage with local leaders. Her upcoming visit to North Carolina aims to assess further damage firsthand.
Former President Donald Trump has also made appearances in the affected areas this week, criticizing the administration’s response. At a rally in Fayetteville, N.C., he equated the situation to Hurricane Katrina, criticizing the government for its handling of the disaster.
Trump has made various claims regarding the response, stating that FEMA’s budget issues stemmed from funding migrants and that Biden failed to communicate with Georgia’s Republican governor.
