As states across the southeastern U.S. work to recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, concerns about future disaster relief funding are mounting. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently warned that FEMA lacks the necessary funds to make it through the remainder of hurricane season.
On “Fox & Friends First” Thursday, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody criticized Mayorkas’ remarks, noting the significant spending on migrant support programs, which she claims has diverted resources from disaster relief efforts.
Concerns Over FEMA Funding
Attorney General Moody voiced frustration with the federal government’s handling of FEMA’s budget, emphasizing the need for disaster response funding to focus on helping communities in need.
“Everyone should be outraged by this,” Moody said. “Florida has been raising alarms about this issue since this administration came into power. Once a strong and reliable program, FEMA is being weakened by decisions prioritizing other agendas over American safety in times of crisis.”
Moody criticized the use of FEMA’s Emergency Food and Shelter Program, alleging that it has been increasingly redirected to assist migrants rather than disaster-stricken communities.
Southeastern States Struggle After Hurricane Helene
The destruction left in Hurricane Helene’s wake has been extensive. The storm made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane tore through Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. The damage has been particularly severe in North Carolina, where towns like Lake Lure have experienced massive flooding and infrastructure collapse. The death toll from the storm has now risen to over 190 across the affected states.
As relief efforts continue, many officials are calling for additional federal support. However, Mayorkas’ recent comments suggest that FEMA’s resources are stretched thin. “We are meeting the immediate needs with our money,” Mayorkas stated. “But with another hurricane expected, FEMA does not have the funds to make it through the season.”
Communities across the Southeast now face the daunting task of rebuilding while the future of federal aid remains uncertain.