The Biden administration has formally requested $100 billion in emergency funding from Congress to assist in recovery efforts for hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as other disasters affecting communities across the country. The proposed package includes $40 billion to replenish FEMA’s disaster relief fund and additional resources for over a dozen federal agencies handling housing assistance, transportation infrastructure, health services, and more. With Congress facing a December 20 government funding deadline, lawmakers may integrate this request into a broader spending package to avoid disruptions in recovery efforts.

Small businesses and homeowners are already feeling the pinch, as the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program has run out of funds, putting more than 10,000 loan applications on hold. Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the importance of ensuring aid reaches victims promptly, while White House budget director Shalanda Young urged bipartisan action, stressing that disaster relief should remain above politics. Congress has not passed a comprehensive disaster aid package since 2022, leaving many critical programs underfunded during this time of escalating recovery needs.