There’s an urgent and growing demand for Congress to return to Washington and respond to the pressing needs arising from the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. With funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan program running dangerously low, several members of Congress from the affected regions are sounding the alarm.
A Critical Situation for Affected States
“It’s unacceptable that Congress remains in recess while families and businesses across North Carolina and beyond are in urgent need of assistance,” said Rep. Wally Nickel, a first-term Democrat from North Carolina. He emphasized the dire situation, stating, “In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, our communities are struggling to recover and our small businesses are desperate for support.”
This sentiment echoes the frustration of many constituents facing significant challenges as they attempt to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
Congressional Inaction: A Growing Concern
As Congress remains out of session until mid-November—just weeks away from elections—many are questioning the leadership’s commitment to disaster relief. Nearly all members of the U.S. House and about a third of the Senate are currently focused on reelection campaigns, sidelining critical aid discussions.
The SBA announced that it has exhausted its disaster loan funds, which are essential for businesses and homeowners affected by natural disasters. CBS News reported earlier this month that the agency had warned lawmakers about the risk of draining these funds due to the hurricanes and urged prompt congressional action.
SBA’s Halt on New Loan Offers
According to the SBA, “Until Congress appropriates additional funds, the SBA is pausing new loan offers for its direct, low-interest, long-term loans to disaster survivors.” The agency continues to encourage affected individuals to apply for loans, assuring them that Congress will provide additional funding upon its return.
Voices from Congress: Urging Action
Sen. Rick Scott, a Republican from Florida, has called on Senate leaders to reconvene as soon as possible to assess the damages and the needs of agencies like the SBA. He shared his discussions with the agency regarding the urgent needs of his constituents.
Similarly, Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Florida Democrat and former state emergency manager, criticized the lack of proactive measures. “Thousands of applications are coming in each day for disaster loans following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Congress knew this fund was running low as we left for recess, and we failed to be proactive,” he stated.
Speaker Johnson’s Response
In response to questions about whether Congress should return early to address the funding issue for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Speaker Mike Johnson indicated that Congress must assess actual damages before disbursing funds. “Congress can’t just send money based on guesses,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of evaluating needs through proper channels.
Despite assurances that FEMA has substantial resources available—having received billions just before Hurricane Helene made landfall—many feel that more immediate action is necessary.
Conclusion: The Path Forward for Disaster Aid
As we approach mid-November, the pressure is mounting on Congress to address these critical funding needs. The urgency of the situation calls for swift action to support those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and to ensure that the SBA can continue to provide necessary assistance.
With the upcoming elections on the horizon, the focus on disaster relief must not be overshadowed by political campaigns. The needs of affected communities should take precedence, and Congress must return to action to fulfil its responsibilities.
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