The Federal Emergency Management Agency has been a hot talking point with hurricanes Helene and Milton occurring during a tumultuous time in America.
FEMA’s task is to help people before, during and after disasters. They help states and communities prepare for these events while also responding to affected areas and provide aid and assistance to those in need.
FEMA has received praise and backlash regarding hurricane Helene. The agency finds itself in the middle of responding to Helene and Milton while being a political talking point. These disasters occurred during a pivotal time, as the election draws near. Some residents and politicians are questioning if they are doing enough to help, and if the provided money is going to the right places.
Former President Donald Trump claims President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are not doing enough to aid the people affected by the disaster. Trump also alleges FEMA money is going to migrants stating, “Kamala spent all of her FEMA money, billions of dollars, on housing for illegal migrants, many of whom should not be in our country.” Other critics claim the government is spending too much on foreign wars.
The Biden administration continues to defend the agency and states it has enough money to keep working for now but will need more in the future. “While FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund has the resources it requires right now to meet immediate needs, the fund does face a shortfall at the end of the year,” he wrote for a White House briefing.
As relief efforts continue, FEMA faces severe understaffing. According to the agency’s daily operation briefing, just 9% of their personnel will be available. FEMA is also responding to disasters in Vermont, Kansas, New York, Arizona and Georgia. Availability numbers have dropped in as recent as last year with a briefing from Sept. 2023 showing the agency had 20% of staff available for deployment.
Despite the staffing shortage, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas claims that FEMA has the resources to deal with the aftermath of the two recent hurricanes, but said in a conference last week that “FEMA does not have the funds to make it through the hurricane season,” according to Fox News.