Biden Holds GOP Accountable for Insufficient Natural Disaster Funding

President Joe Biden has pledged ongoing support for Americans affected by Hurricane Idalia and the Hawaii wildfires, while warning that he will blame congressional Republicans if there isn't enough funding for the response to these natural disasters. Biden emphasized his commitment to providing assistance to both disaster sites and called on Congress to pass a request for an additional $12 billion for disaster relief funding. He also highlighted the undeniable evidence of climate change, pointing to the convergence of natural disasters as proof. Biden received a briefing on the storm and spoke with governors of affected states, offering his support. The Biden administration announced $95 million from the bipartisan infrastructure law to strengthen Hawaii's electric grid after the wildfires. The president's response to the wildfires drew criticism from Republicans, and an investigation has been launched into the federal government's handling of the Hawaii fire.