Johnson says Congress authorized enough money for Helene recovery, amid calls for emergency session

House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that Congress has approved funding for recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene as lawmakers requested an emergency session for more funds. 

“Congress has previously provided the funds it [FEMA] needs to respond, so we will make sure that those resources are appropriately allocated,” Johnson said on Tuesday, according to The Hill.

Both Republican and Democratic senators from the states impacted by the hurricane wrote a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., saying the damage was going to cost tens of billions of dollars. 

"Although the true level of devastation is still unfolding, it is clear that Congress must act to meet the unmet needs in our states and address the scope and scale of destruction experienced by our constituents," they wrote in the letter, according to USA Today. "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."

Hurricane Helene has greatly impacted the southeast, especially the Carolinas, Georgia, and Tennessee. More than 100 people have died. 

Johnson's statement comes after President Joe Biden floated asking Congress return to Washington, D.C., to pass a relief bill. Members of the House and Senate left D.C. last week after passing a stopgap to prevent a government shutdown until December. 

Johnson further said that Congress was working with FEMA and local agencies to provide aid to those affected by the flood. 

“I received updates on the latest recovery and rescue efforts, and we’ll be working with our members, with FEMA, with state and local emergency management, to help address the many needs that are out there," Johnson stated. "This is going to go on for some time."