Biden urges Congress to approve $100B disaster aid package

President Joe Biden has requested nearly $100 billion in federal disaster aid to address funding shortfalls amid recent devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton and other natural disasters. The proposed package includes $40 billion for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, $24 billion for agricultural losses, and $12 billion for housing grants. Biden emphasized the urgency in a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, highlighting the immediate needs of communities and agencies like the Small Business Administration, whose disaster loan program has exhausted its funds.

The package's prospects in the next three months are influenced by several factors:

1. Bipartisan Support: Historically, disaster relief has garnered bipartisan backing. Some Republicans, such as Sen. Thom Tillis, have expressed support for the aid, recognizing its necessity for affected communities.
2. Fiscal Concerns: Conversely, certain Republicans, including Rep. Ralph Norman, have raised concerns about the package's size and the absence of budget offsets, potentially hindering swift approval.
3. Legislative Calendar: With Congress facing a funding deadline on 20 December, there's an opportunity to incorporate the disaster aid into broader spending bills. However, the packed legislative agenda may delay focused discussions on the relief package.