INTERNEWSTIMES.COM – Amidst the devastation and suffering caused by Hurricane Helene, politics have once again taken center stage. House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to call Congress back into session before the election to address the need for additional disaster relief funding.
Johnson argued that calculating the damage from such a large-scale disaster takes time, and the affected states need time to assess their needs. He emphasized that Congress had already allocated initial funds for emergency aid and would provide additional assistance after the election.
Johnson’s statement comes after President Biden urged Congress to immediately allocate additional funds for the SBA disaster loan program, which is facing funding shortages. Additionally, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas warned that his department does not have enough funds to handle the remainder of the hurricane season.
Johnson also refuted claims by some Republicans that FEMA was using funds for illegal immigrants. He asserted that FEMA is focused on disaster relief, not assisting immigrants.
While Johnson stated that Congress would assist disaster-stricken areas, his refusal to call Congress back before the election has sparked criticism from those questioning political priorities amidst a natural disaster. (Red)
