House Speaker Mike Johnson did not commit to calling Congress back into session before the election in response to President Joe Biden’s request for more funding for federal disaster recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. Biden urged Congress to restore funding to the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program, which was facing potential shortfalls before the hurricane hit. Johnson emphasized that it takes time to assess the damages from natural disasters and determine the specific needs for funding. He noted that Congress appropriated $20 billion to FEMA before the hurricane made landfall in Florida and assured that Congress will provide necessary support for disaster-prone areas.
Biden indicated that he may request a supplemental funding request for Hurricane Helene-affected areas and could potentially call Congress back into session for this purpose. Johnson also addressed false claims by some Republicans that FEMA was using funds on migrants instead of disaster response, stating that FEMA’s mission is to assist those affected by natural disasters, not migrants. He accused the Biden administration of using taxpayer dollars to assist migrants with resettlement, which he claimed would end after the election.
Overall, while Johnson did not commit to calling Congress back into session before the election, he assured that Congress will provide the necessary funding for disaster relief efforts. Biden’s administration is considering a supplemental funding request for Hurricane Helene, and Johnson pushed back against false claims regarding FEMA’s use of funds. The situation will likely be addressed after the election when Congress reconvenes.
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