The Federal Emergency Management Agency is in serious trouble. With the budget crisis and the threat of a government shutdown in Washington, things are looking worrisome, not only for those disaster victims relying on the support FEMA, but for the entire agency itself.
Already there are projects on hold for FEMA, millions of dollars’ worth. With the recent onslaught of tornadoes, earthquakes and other natural disasters, there is now a screening process on what will get aid, and what won’t.
As of now, the relief fund funding FEMA has only $114 million left, but this won’t hold out for long. FEMA is in serious need of cash flow, and is waiting for Congress to step in with aid in order for it to keep functioning—but Congress can’t seem to decide on a plan of action (what a shocker!).
According to the FEMA spokeswoman, Rachel Racusen, if the final dollars of the disaster fund dwindle away completely, laws requiring action take effect. When this happens, the effects could be drastic.
If the money hits a $0. point, the spokeswoman explains, “Under law, FEMA would be forced to temporarily shut down disaster recovery and assistance programs, including financial assistance to individuals until Congress appropriated more funds. This would include all past and current FEMA recover operations.”
A Solution?
However, Congress can’t make a decision as to what to do with this necessary relief program. Currently, Congress stands at an impasse over a stopgap bill as a solution to the budget problem.
If Congress can’t make a decision by September 30th (the end of the fiscal year), a full governmental shutdown could finally happen. (Or Congress could give themselves more time, as they’ve done before.)
Congress is currently trying to pass a bill as a temporary fix that will fund essential functions until the 18th of November, but the disbursement of the funds is the argument they can’t agree on.
As the deadline approaches, we’ll see if the government shuts down as it threatens to, or if they can finally come to an agreeable solution.