Federal Aid Now Coming to Seven States, but Many Still Await Help

The federal government has granted disaster relief to Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Washington. This decision unlocks funding for rebuilding roads, bridges, and other public works damaged by storms or floods.

Key Points

• Approval Source: Announced during a briefing from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
• New Homeland Security Secretary: Markwayne Mullin has taken office and plans to discuss accelerating approvals with the president before the Atlantic hurricane season.
• Urgency Emphasized: Mullin highlighted that disasters continue to occur, urging swift action.
• Fiscal Constraints:
• The Department of Homeland Security has been shut down for eight weeks.
• The disaster relief fund is low; Congress must pass a new appropriations bill adding over $26 billion to the fund.
• Without this funding, future assistance could be delayed.

States Awaiting Assistance

President’s Oversight

• The president reviews FEMA’s damage reports and applies his own judgment.
• No funds have been approved for strengthening infrastructure post-disaster—a component usually included in relief packages. The president has withheld such requests for over a year, leaving many communities without the chance to rebuild with enhanced protection.