A new analysis reveals that states with Republican governors and congressional delegations tend to receive more federal disaster aid than those with Democratic leadership. Experts warn that states may lack the resources and expertise to handle major disasters without federal assistance, despite calls from some conservatives to shift disaster response to the states.
Experts say every state gets millions in federal help — and a little more goes to Republican states and congressional districts. President Donald Trump and a conservative think tank have floated the possibility of shifting disaster response to the states, including eliminating FEMA or curtailing federal handouts.“Most states don't even have the ability, including Florida, to manage these disasters,” without federal money and help, said Craig Fugate.
Since 2011, more than $68.2 billion in FEMA aid has been spent on disasters that don't include the pandemic or oil spills. And that's payments just to governments, not people. Tens of billions more came — mostly from Housing and Urban Development — to people needing individual help to rebuild. The six swing states that voted for Joe Biden in 2020 and Donald Trump in 2024 – and states with split U.S. Senate delegations – get considerably less FEMA aid per person, averaging only $35 per capita. Those purple states have 15% of the country’s population but get only 2.5% of the FEMA aid.
Twelve congressional districts have had at least a dozen federally declared disasters since 2011; three-quarters of them are represented by Republicans. Those are in Kentucky, Louisiana, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Texas, Vermont and West Virginia. In general, the federal government pays 75% of the cost with state and locals picking up 25%. But in the biggest disasters the state share can shrink to 10% or even close to nothing, especially if Congress steps in.
DISASTER AID FEDERAL FUNDING REPUBLICAN STATES DEMOCRATIC STATES FEMA
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump Visits Disaster-Ravaged California and North Carolina Amidst Disaster Aid DebatePresident Trump's visit to California and North Carolina, both recovering from recent natural disasters, coincides with a heated debate in Congress over potential conditions attached to disaster relief funding. President Trump has suggested linking aid to state policies, particularly in California, where he criticizes water management practices. Democrats strongly oppose attaching conditions to aid, arguing that helping Americans recover from natural disasters should not be politicized.
Read more »
Trump Visits Disaster-Stricken California Amidst Debate Over Disaster Relief FundingPresident Trump's visit to California and North Carolina comes as Congress debates attaching conditions to disaster relief funding, particularly in light of the devastating wildfires in California. Trump has suggested linking aid to California with changes in water management practices.
Read more »
Individual federal disaster assistance is available for LA County wildfire victimsIndividuals displaced from the wildfires can apply for housing grants, including basic home repairs, temporary hotel stays and rental assistance.
Read more »
Federal government to cover 100% of LA wildfire disaster response, Biden announcesPresident Biden announced the federal government will cover 100% of wildfire disaster response costs in Southern California for the next six months, increasing support for the ongoing crisis.
Read more »
Federal disaster declaration approved for Northwest Alaska floodingPresident Biden announced the approval of federal disaster assistance for recovery efforts in areas that sustained damage from flooding and storms in October 2024.
Read more »
Biden Approves Federal Disaster Assistance for Alaska Flooding and StormsPresident Joe Biden has approved federal disaster assistance for recovery efforts in areas of Alaska damaged by flooding and storms in October 2024. Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work to the state of Alaska, tribal and eligible local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations.
Read more »