In a concerted effort to fulfill their promises and address the pressing issues facing the nation, the Biden-Harris Administration is calling on Congress to allocate additional resources to support various domestic priorities and urgent needs. These funding requests, aimed at assisting communities affected by extreme weather and climate disasters, preventing families from losing access to child care, expanding high-speed internet access, enhancing American security, and combating the fentanyl crisis, are crucial in safeguarding the well-being of the American people.

One of the administration's top priorities is to support communities that have been severely impacted by extreme weather events and climate disasters. The requested funding includes resources for the Disaster Relief Fund, which would enable the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to continue providing critical response efforts and recovery projects across the country. Furthermore, specific funding is being sought to aid in the recovery from wildfires in Maui, the Guam typhoon, hurricanes in Florida and the southeastern United States, floods in California and Vermont, tornadoes in Mississippi, and other natural disasters nationwide. These funds would be allocated to assist rural residents, farmers, schools, and businesses adversely affected by such disasters.

Another area of focus is the preservation of child care services. The American Rescue Plan had previously provided significant investment in the child care sector, preventing closures and supporting the creation of more child care slots across the country. However, without additional funding, the expiration of child care stabilization funding could undermine these gains and destabilize the sector. Providers are already facing financial strain, potentially leading to higher costs for families or even closures. To avert this crisis, the administration is urging Congress to extend child care stabilization funding and ensure that parents have access to affordable and reliable child care options.

Access to high-speed internet is now considered a necessity for Americans to engage in numerous aspects of daily life. However, many families still lack affordable and reliable internet connectivity, exacerbating existing inequities. The administration is requesting additional funds to strengthen the Affordable Connectivity Program, which is already assisting over 21 million households in saving significant amounts on their monthly internet bills. These funds would extend free and discounted high-speed internet access for eligible households through December 2024, further bridging the digital divide.

Amidst concerns about national security, the Biden-Harris Administration is calling for supplemental funding to protect communities at high risk of attack. This includes increasing grants under FEMA's Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which would enhance facility security for organizations such as synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship. Additionally, measures are being proposed to bolster long-term domestic enrichment capabilities for uranium, reducing dependence on Russian sources that pose a risk to the economy and national security.

Addressing the opioid crisis remains a top priority for the administration. To further their efforts in combating the devastating impact of fentanyl, funding is sought through the Department of Health and Human Services' State Opioid Response (SOR) grant program. This program provides crucial resources for opioid use disorder treatment, harm reduction services, overdose prevention measures, and recovery support services.

Lastly, in response to global food shortages and worsening food security, the administration is requesting funding to support emergency food needs worldwide. This includes funds for the Food for Peace program, which utilizes commodities grown by U.S. farmers to combat malnutrition and mitigate the impact of disasters. Additionally, resources are being sought for the McGovern-Dole Food for Education program, which aims to provide agricultural commodities and assistance for school feeding and nutrition projects in low-income, food-deficit countries.

As Congress deliberates on the administration's funding requests, the Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to meeting the needs of the American people, supporting communities, and protecting the nation and its interests. Significant investments in these critical areas will pave the way for a more resilient, prosperous, and equitable future.