Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) stated on Tuesday that Congress has already authorized disaster relief funds for immediate responses to Hurricane Helene, which has impacted multiple states from Florida to western North Carolina and Tennessee.

He noted that the replenishment of FEMA’s disaster relief fund was included in a stopgap funding bill signed into law last week.

President Biden hinted he might request Congress to return from recess for additional funding for relief efforts.

Over 120 lives have been lost, and hundreds of thousands remain without power due to the storm’s devastation, The Hill has reported.

Bipartisan calls for action include proposals to allocate $10 billion to FEMA for recovery efforts.

Johnson emphasized the resilience of American communities during disasters, expressing confidence in recovery efforts.

Written by B.C. Begley