Congress approved $20 billion for FEMA's disaster relief fund as Hurricane Helene was heading toward Florida.

As Hurricane Helene careened toward Florida’s Panhandle, numerous Republicans voted against extending funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Last week, Congress approved $20 billion for FEMA’s disaster relief fund as part of a stopgap spending bill to fund the government through December 20. But the measure left out billions of dollars in requested supplemental disaster funding.

The Senate approved the measure by a 78-18 vote on September 25 after it passed the House in a 341-82 vote. Republicans supplied the no votes in both chambers.

Some of the Republicans who voted against the bill represent states that have been hard hit by Helene, including Florida Representative Matt Gaetz.

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  • ameancow@lemmy.worldEnglish
    331·
    1 month ago

    It’s more than unfair, it’s wicked that the majority of people are being represented by minority voices. It’s costing lives that we aren’t fixing this.

    Please, please please people, get more involved in your state and county and community politics so these people stop running uncontested and unexposed.

    • JaggedRobotPubes@lemmy.worldEnglish
      8·
      1 month ago

      And even when it doesn’t actually kill people, it’s ruining people’s lives and fun in ways they often will never recover from.