Trump Approves Disaster Declarations for Seven States Amid Funding Concerns
The Trump administration has approved major disaster declaration requests for seven states, including Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Washington. This decision, announced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), enables affected communities to access federal support for infrastructure repairs and survivor aid. The approvals come as Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin conducts his first official trips to survey damage from Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, signaling an effort to stabilize leadership following the dismissal of his predecessor, Kristi Noem. Despite these approvals, approximately 15 other requests from states and tribes remain pending, alongside three appeals of previous denials. A significant challenge remains due to the ongoing eight-week Department of Homeland Security shutdown, which has depleted the Disaster Relief Fund. While emergency response continues, the fund requires replenishment through a stalled appropriations bill worth over $26 billion. Secretary Mullin emphasized the urgency of processing pending requests before the Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1, aiming to accelerate recovery efforts for past disasters while managing current crises.
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Trump Approves Disaster Declarations for Seven States Amid Funding Concerns
The Trump administration has approved major disaster declaration requests for seven states, including Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Washington. This decision, announced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), enables affected communities to access federal support for infrastructure repairs and survivor aid. The approvals come as Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin conducts his first official trips to survey damage from Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, signaling an effort to stabilize leadership following the dismissal of his predecessor, Kristi Noem. Despite these approvals, approximately 15 other requests from states and tribes remain pending, alongside three appeals of previous denials. A significant challenge remains due to the ongoing eight-week Department of Homeland Security shutdown, which has depleted the Disaster Relief Fund. While emergency response continues, the fund requires replenishment through a stalled appropriations bill worth over $26 billion. Secretary Mullin emphasized the urgency of processing pending requests before the Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1, aiming to accelerate recovery efforts for past disasters while managing current crises.
AP News