Duval Times

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) is facing depletion due to the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton across multiple states. In response, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and his colleagues have introduced legislation to replenish the fund.

Senator Rubio stated, “Unfortunately, this is a hurricane season no one will soon forget. The Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) is the front line for states, and our constituents, to receive support in the aftermath of natural disasters. While assessments of the full extent of these storms are underway, the DRF cannot be allowed to be depleted. I am proud to announce my colleagues and I will be introducing a bill to provide additional funding to support communities affected by the recent hurricanes.”

The original cosponsors of this bill include Senators Bill Cassidy from Louisiana, John Cornyn from Texas, Tim Scott from South Carolina, and Rick Scott from Florida.

Senator Cassidy emphasized the importance of FEMA resources: “Americans help Americans. FEMA needs resources to help those impacted by Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Francine. Related to this, I will continue working to make flood insurance affordable again.”

Expressing concern over FEMA's current financial state, Senator Cornyn remarked: “It is alarming that FEMA has spent almost half of its disaster fund, and there are still weeks left in hurricane season. Congress must take action to ensure critical agencies have sufficient resources to help those impacted by natural disasters recover while also maintaining long-term rebuilding projects.”

Senator Tim Scott highlighted the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene: “Hurricane Helene brought a level of devastation we haven’t seen since Hugo. In South Carolina alone, the storm claimed 49 lives and left over a million without power. When any state experiences a natural disaster of this magnitude, Congress has a responsibility to step up and do its job."

Having surveyed damage in Florida firsthand, Senator Rick Scott said: “I’ve been on the ground in Florida surveying damage and talking to Floridians for weeks as our state prepared for and now responds to and recovers from Hurricanes Helene and Milton." He added that "This bill...will ensure that [FEMA] has what it needs" for immediate aid across several states.

The proposed legislation seeks an appropriation of $20 billion for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund aimed at aiding recovery efforts.