Recent concerns over Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding have led some Americans to question how US FEMA funding compares to aid sent to Ukraine.
Last week, the House of Representatives and the Senate approved a continuing resolution, which extends FEMA funding through Dec. 20 and allows the agency to access the funds more quickly. But FEMA is facing a multibillion-dollar deficit, even after imposing new spending limits last month. The agency is proceeding with several reconstruction projects related to disaster recovery in order to be financially equipped to face immediate needs related to natural disasters.
How FEMA Funding Compares to Ukraine Aid
Since the war between Russia and Ukraine began in 2022, the US has provided Ukraine with nearly $60 billion in weapons and security, according to the Associated Press. However, the US Government Accountability Office, an independent, nonpartisan agency, says that US aid to Ukraine is higher.
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“Congress responded to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with about $176 billion in funding for US agencies to provide weapons to Ukraine, aid civilians, enforce sanctions, and more,” the website said.
President Joe Biden recently announced an additional $2.4 billion aid package for Ukraine on September 26.
By comparison, through 2022, Congress appropriated $18.8 billion in annual funding for the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund, which is the primary funding for domestic disaster relief programs and has provided approximately $20 billion annually thereafter. Additional allocations measured in billions of dollars were made in 2023 and 2024. Most recently, Congress approved a continuing resolution that provides FEMA with an additional $20 billion in disaster relief funds to be used until December 20.
Newsweek reach the White House by email for comment.
FEMA Funds for Hurricane Helene Victims
Meanwhile, Hurricane Helene ravaged several states last week, killing at least 200 people and leaving many more displaced and without much-needed supplies. Some fear the death toll is higher than reported.
On Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris announced that FEMA workers are going to homes in affected areas to provide $750 worth of immediate relief money. The $750 is part of a larger effort to provide relief to those affected by the hurricane.
“FEMA is also providing tens of thousands of dollars more for them to cover home improvements, to cover deductibles when and if they have insurance, and also hotel costs,” Harris said at the time.
Despite FEMA’s continued efforts, some Americans used social media to say that aid for hurricane victims is not high enough compared to the funding approved by the US for Ukraine since the war with Russia began in 2022.
“Let’s check our government: Biden announced a new $2.4B aid package to Ukraine last week while Kamala announced today that the victims of Hurricane Helene will get only $750,” one post said. “Oh, and FEMA didn’t have enough money to get through hurricane season, but spent $640M on illegal aliens.”
“$2.4B for Ukraine. $750 for victims of Hurricane Helen $1B + FEMA money for illegal aliens No FEMA funds for hurricane survivors,” said another.
“How did the US GOVERNMENT run out of money for the victims of Hurricane Helene?!” one post said. “They can find $ 63.1 billion and count it for Ukraine. FEMA spent more than a BILLION on illegal immigrants. But America in Appalachia? $ 750 dollars. THIS IS AN INSULT”.
Many accounts criticizing the government only highlighted the $750 in direct aid money, despite FEMA’s long-term efforts to help Americans with larger costs, such as housing.
FEMA Oversight
Scrutiny of FEMA spending has intensified in recent weeks after FEMA spent money to help communities across the country cope with the influx of migrants through the Shelter and Services Program (SSP). The program has a budget of $640 million for Fiscal Year 2024, which ends on September 30.
Former President Donald Trump has criticized the SSP, which helps local governments and non-profit organizations support migrants. However, FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security have denied that any FEMA disaster relief funds have gone into the program.
“The Shelter and Services Program (SSP) is a separate, dedicated grant program authorized and funded by Congress and is not related to FEMA’s disaster-related authorities or funding streams,” a DHS spokesperson previously said. Newsweek.
However, claims are now emerging that FEMA does not have enough money to help those in need after Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage in several states, including North Carolina.
FEMA Director of Public Affairs Jaclyn Rothenberg previously said Newsweek that FEMA has sufficient funds to support the response to Hurricane Helene and subsequent disasters through December 20.
