**Biden Requests $98 Billion from Congress for Disaster Relief Efforts**

President Joe Biden has submitted a proposal to Congress seeking over $98 billion in emergency funding to manage the aftermath of recent natural disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This substantial financial request is primarily intended to reinforce the resources of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Agriculture Department. Funds are also sought for 16 other agencies, including Housing and Urban Development and the Transportation Department, for essential repairs in housing and infrastructure.

The need for relief has become pressing, with the last Congressional disaster funding approved two years ago. Since then, the southeastern United States has been ravaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, resulting in over 200 fatalities and causing extensive financial damage. Highlighting the urgency, Shalanda Young, Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, mentioned the sustained federal support extended to communities affected by the catastrophic fires in Maui, tornadoes in the Midwest, and the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Severe storms have also impacted states like Alaska, Connecticut, Louisiana, New Mexico, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. "It is absolutely critical that these communities know that their government has not forgotten them," Young emphasized.

A significant portion of the requested funds, roughly $40 billion, is earmarked for FEMA's disaster relief fund to ensure its availability through the next year. Additionally, the White House seeks $24 billion for the USDA to support farmers impacted by these disasters and to assist school lunch programs and food banks in the affected areas.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell pointed out the unprecedented nature of the current year. In 2024, there have already been 172 disaster declarations compared to 113 in the previous year. Criswell noted, "We saw the second-busiest spring tornado season ever recorded, and we've seen, overall, a 50% increase in disaster activity." This substantial rise in natural disasters underscores the necessity for the requested federal aid.