The Biden-Harris administration announced on Wednesday that $750 in federal aid will be distributed to residents in states devastated by Hurricane Helene. The relief, provided through FEMA, is aimed at those in need of immediate assistance, and Vice President Kamala Harris urged residents to apply as soon as possible. Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, made the announcement during a visit to Augusta, Georgia, one of the cities hit hardest by the storm.
During her visit, Harris praised Georgia Governor Brian Kemp for his leadership and collaboration with federal agencies to support residents affected by the hurricane, which caused widespread destruction by tearing through homes, damaging roads, and downing power lines, leaving many without means of communication.
“I want to thank the governor for his leadership and his close coordination with the federal government, with our administration. And I want to thank the local leaders for together, creating a task-force-like response, knowing we are at our best when we work together and coordinate resources,” Harris said.
The vice president also announced that President Biden had approved Governor Kemp’s request for 100 percent federal reimbursement for recovery costs in affected communities. Harris emphasized that residents could apply to receive the $750 from FEMA for immediate relief.
However, the $750 aid announcement drew criticism on social media, with many calling the amount inadequate. Critics pointed out the disparity between the funds being offered to Americans and the billions sent to foreign nations such as Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as aid provided to undocumented immigrants. This sparked questions about the administration’s priorities during a time when FEMA is reportedly struggling to sustain funding through the end of hurricane season, as noted by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
In a separate announcement, President Biden outlined additional relief efforts, which included deploying Starlink satellites, owned by Elon Musk, to restore communication for hurricane victims. This follows controversy over the administration’s 2022 decision to revoke a grant that would have extended Starlink access to 17 counties in North Carolina, another region hit hard by the hurricane. The move was seen as part of the administration’s broader conflict with Musk over his free speech policies on his platforms.
Despite this, Musk has committed to providing Starlink services to hurricane-affected areas free of charge, and the service has already been deployed.
