Biden Requests Additional $4 Billion for Disaster Relief, Bringing Total to $16 Billion

The White House is seeking an additional $4 billion in funding to address natural disasters, signaling the increasing costs imposed on U.S. taxpayers due to intensifying wildfires, flooding, and hurricanes caused by climate change.

The initial request by the Biden administration was for $12 billion in extra funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support rescue and relief efforts. However, due to recent events such as fires in Hawaii and Louisiana, flooding in Vermont, and Hurricane Ida hitting Florida and other Southeastern states, the total funding needed has increased to $16 billion.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell originally stated that $12 billion would be sufficient to meet the agency’s needs until the end of the fiscal year. However, considering the possibility of more storms, the situation will be closely monitored to determine if additional funding becomes necessary.

President Joe Biden visited FEMA’s offices in Washington on Thursday and urged for the fulfillment of the disaster relief request in September. He expressed his confusion over lawmakers who believe the additional funding is unnecessary.

In response to Biden’s remarks, the White House Office of Management and Budget determined that an extra $4 billion should be included in the supplemental funding measure. This measure also includes funds to assist Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and address fentanyl addiction.

The Biden administration official who provided this information requested anonymity.