FEMA's Dwindling Funds Raise Concerns for Disaster Relief

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is running low on funds, with only $3.4 billion remaining in its disaster relief fund, which will be exhausted by the first half of September if Congress does not approve additional funding. President Joe Biden has called on Congress to pass $12 billion in additional funding for the disaster fund next month. FEMA is currently prioritizing immediate needs, such as the Maui wildfires and Hurricane Idalia, while pushing other recovery projects into the next fiscal year. However, the request for more disaster funds could face opposition due to Republican concerns over U.S. military aid for Ukraine.