Official records from the U.S. Congress

Harris Announces $750 FEMA Aid for Hurricane Helene Victims as U.S. Sends Billions Abroad

Oct 2, 2024, 11:04 PM

Vice President Kamala Harris announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide $750 in immediate assistance to individuals affected by Hurricane Helene in Georgia. “The federal relief and assistance we have been providing has included FEMA providing $750 for folks who need immediate needs being met,” Harris stated. The hurricane caused significant devastation, leaving many residents who have lost absolutely everything. The announcement has sparked criticism due to the perceived inadequacy of the aid, especially when compared to the substantial financial assistance recently allocated by the U.S. government to foreign countries. In the last week, the administration announced $8 billion for Israel, $7 billion for Ukraine, and $567 million for Taiwan. Critics argue that billions of dollars are sent abroad while domestic disaster victims receive significantly less support. Comparisons have also been made with previous disaster responses, such as the $700 provided to Maui fire victims, prompting questions about the federal government's priorities in allocating funds for domestic disaster relief versus foreign aid.