As Senate Democrats try to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security, federal disaster aid may end up an unintended casualty of the legislative push.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, is responsible for federal disaster aid and response coordination following a disaster. However, FEMA is under the DHS.
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Senate Democrats have said they won’t support federal funding for DHS unless it includes new guardrails for immigration enforcement. House Republicans have already said they won’t discuss the Homeland Security bill, which already passed in the House.
This brinkmanship could lead to a partial shutdown by the weekend if Congress refuses to act.
What happens to FEMA during a government shutdown?
FEMA’s disaster recovery work will continue even with a partial shutdown. This is because its job is essential and workers will have to work without pay until lawmakers reopen the government.
However, a partial or complete shutdown would impact new funding and directive language that lawmakers previously negotiated, according to Politico.
Some of the new directives include language to oversee FEMA’s efforts to cancel or delay disaster grants or reimbursements.
Politico reports that the agency has about $7 billion left over from last year. This is because FEMA delayed billions of dollars in reimbursements.
But a shutdown and funding freeze would affect some programs that assist Americans after disasters. If all six bills that make up the funding package aren’t passed, the authorization for the National Flood Insurance Program would expire. This would make homeowners and realtors unable to buy, sell or renew flood insurance until Congress reauthorizes it.
A funding freeze could also affect programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and others that help Americans deal with the impacts of severe weather.
Is the government headed for another shutdown?
Senators on both sides of the aisle are holding meetings to discuss a compromise and prevent a shutdown. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., urged senators to continue discussing a path forward.
“Productive talks are ongoing, and I urge my Democrat colleagues to continue their engagement and find a path forward that will avoid a needless shutdown and not jeopardize full funding for key agencies like FEMA and the Coast Guard,” Thune said in the Senate Tuesday.
