On Sept. 25, 2024, 100 Republican senators and representatives voted against a budget bill to continue funding the entire federal government, including FEMA’s disaster relief fund, through the end of 2024. A separate bill to give FEMA additional funding to respond to Hurricane Helene has yet to be put up for a vote.
This type of temporary funding bill, known as a continuing resolution, is a short-term measure meant to prevent a government shutdown until Congress is able to agree on and pass an annual budget. The Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act keeps the government funded at current levels through Dec. 20, 2024.
Division A, Sec. 134 of the act sets aside money for FEMA’s disaster relief fund, which pays for all of FEMA’s disaster response activities. This was one of many provisions in the bill, which covers funding for all aspects of the federal government.
The bill passed the House by a 341-82 vote and passed the Senate by a 78-18 vote. All of the votes against the bill were Republicans.