ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., has introduced legislation to provide $25 billion to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Relief Fund as the Atlantic hurricane season begins.
The measure would fulfill a funding request made by former President Donald Trump and ensure FEMA is financially prepared to respond to natural disasters in the coming months, according to the senator’s office.
“With Western North Carolina still recovering from Helene and an above-normal hurricane season expected this year, we have to ensure that FEMA has the constant flow of resources it needs to help states respond to natural disasters,” Tillis said in a statement. “Congress shouldn’t wait until the last minute.”
North Carolina has received approximately $4.45 billion from the fund to aid recovery from Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread damage in 2024.
Tillis said the legislation is aimed at allowing FEMA to focus on its core mission of helping states and communities respond to emergencies without delays caused by funding shortfalls.