WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House has requested $4 billion in emergency funding from Congress to address the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge and to support recovery efforts from tornadoes, wildfires, and hurricanes nationwide.
Background on the Emergency Funding Request
This supplemental funding request follows the approval of a $95 billion foreign aid package in April, which faced significant delays due to partisan disagreements, particularly concerning aid to Ukraine. In contrast, disaster aid and infrastructure repairs like the Baltimore bridge collapse have garnered bipartisan support, suggesting a smoother legislative process.
Specific Funding Allocations
The administration has detailed the following allocations:
- $3.1 billion for the Transportation Department’s emergency relief program to cover the Baltimore bridge and other infrastructure needs.
- $700 million for the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program to address the aftermath of the Maui wildfires and severe storms, including tornado and hurricane recovery efforts.
The request also revisits President Joe Biden’s previous ask for funds to replenish FEMA’s disaster relief fund, support the child care industry, bolster border security, and address firefighter pay and internet connectivity needs.
Legislative Path Forward
House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) suggested that attaching the emergency funding to a must-pass bill, such as a stopgap spending measure (continuing resolution), could be the most efficient way to secure the funding. This method could help avoid a government shutdown when federal funding expires on October 1.
However, there are concerns that FEMA’s disaster relief fund may be depleted before Congress can pass a continuing resolution, highlighting the urgency of the request.
Opposition and Concerns
While there is general bipartisan support for disaster relief, some Republicans have raised concerns about the federal government covering the entire cost of the Baltimore bridge rebuild. They argue that this could set a precedent and prefer a balanced approach to federal cost-sharing across all disaster-affected areas.
Chairman Cole emphasized the need for equitable treatment across all regions affected by disasters. “I’ve told the White House this — whatever we’re doing for one place, we’re doing for the other place,” Cole stated, advocating for consistent federal support regardless of the disaster’s location.
Implications
The White House’s request underscores the critical need for swift and comprehensive federal assistance in disaster recovery and infrastructure repair. The outcome of this funding request will significantly impact the recovery efforts in Baltimore and other disaster-stricken areas across the United States.
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