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Amid Multiple Disasters, FEMA Faces Funding Challenges, Misinformation, and Politicization

Summary

FEMA is grappling with financial and staffing shortages as Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, just weeks after Hurricane Helene's devastation. Despite receiving $20 billion from Congress in September, the agency is stretched thin with only 8% of its disaster response team available due to ongoing recovery efforts across the U.S. FEMA's struggles are compounded by misinformation about funds being misused for migrant aid, fueling partisan debates. While President Biden pushes for more disaster relief, House Speaker Mike Johnson has delayed action until after the November elections, leaving FEMA under pressure as climate disasters become more frequent and severe.

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