Bipartisan senators from states ravaged by Helene plead for Congress' help

WASHINGTON – A dozen bipartisan senators representing the states that have been devastated by Hurricane Helene on Tuesday requested Congress approve additional resources to help clean up in the wake of the disaster. They're also joining President Joe Biden in urging lawmakers to consider an emergency session before Election Day to get their work done.

In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the Democratic and Republican senators from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia wrote that the damage wrought by the hurricane will be at least in the tens of billions of dollars.

"Although the true level of devastation is still unfolding, it is clear that Congress must act to meetthe unmet needs in our states and address the scope and scale of destruction experienced by ourconstituents," the senators wrote. "This may even require Congress to come back in October to ensure we have enough time to enact legislation before the end of this calendar year."

At least 144 people have been killed by the storm, including 64 in North Carolina, 36 in South Carolina, 25 in Georgia, 11 in Florida, six in Tennessee and two in Virginia, according to a USA TODAY analysis. Hundreds of others remain missing amid power outages, destroyed roadways, flooding and crushed buildings.

Congress is scheduled to be out of session until at least Nov. 12. But lawmakers from affected states in both chambers have been urging their colleagues to come back to Washington to approve additional funds to help address the fall out.

Biden approved disaster declarations for Florida and North Carolina on Sunday. On Monday, he said he is likely to ask Congress for additional funding for the affected states, calling it a "historic storm," and that he may call lawmakers back to Washington to approve it.

But House Speaker Mike Johnson appeared to throw cold water on that idea Tuesday during remarks to the New York Stock Exchange.

“Congress has previously provided the funds it [FEMA] needs to respond, so we will make sure that those resources are appropriately allocated,” Johnson said, referencing the government funding extension passed last week, funding the government through Dec. 20.

That package includes $20 billion of funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and a mechanism for the agency to spend it quickly. However that is an extension of current funding levels, rather than additional funding for disaster relief programs.

Schumer's office did not immediately return a request for comment.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Senators from states ravaged by Helene plead for Congress' help