Current Status of Federal Disaster Relief Accounts (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised Nov. 29, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IF12811 |
| Report Type |
In Focus |
| Authors |
Lauren R. Stienstra, Coordinator; Daniela E. Lacalle |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
On November 18, 2024, President Biden requested from
Congress supplemental appropriations to provide an
“expeditious and meaningful Federal response” to
Hurricanes Helene, Milton, and other natural disasters. The
request totals almost $100 billion, and requests funding for
numerous agencies and accounts, including the Disaster
Relief Fund, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA),
the Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD), among others.
Prior to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, disaster recovery
programs across the federal government were already
reporting budget shortfalls. Funding shortfalls can affect
federal program availability: some agencies may limit
spending to life-saving operations while others may pause
new enrollments. Such changes can limit the speed and
degree of recovery in disaster-damaged communities. For
more information on how the federal government budgets
for major disasters, see CRS In Focus IF12814, Disasters
and the Federal Budget.
At least 17 different federal agencies lead or coordinate
disaster assistance programs. Summaries of the largest and
most visible disaster relief accounts follow below.
