Fact Check: Did Joe Biden tell FEMA there was no money for North Carolina flooding?
What We Know
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused significant flooding in North Carolina from September 26-28, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration has actively provided financial assistance to the state. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced the availability of $100 million in Emergency Relief funds specifically for the North Carolina Department of Transportation to address immediate emergency work resulting from the flood damage (source-2). This funding is part of a broader federal response that has already allocated over $474 million in disaster assistance for Hurricane Helene survivors in North Carolina (source-3).
Additionally, FEMA has been on the ground in North Carolina, with nearly 400 Urban Search and Rescue personnel assisting in recovery efforts (source-3). The administration has emphasized its commitment to supporting North Carolina through these challenging times, with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stating that the administration would be with North Carolina "every step of the way" (source-2).
Analysis
The claim that President Joe Biden told FEMA there was no money for North Carolina flooding is false. The evidence clearly shows that the Biden administration has not only allocated substantial funds but has also committed to ongoing support for recovery efforts in the state. The $100 million in Emergency Relief funds is a direct response to the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, and additional federal resources are expected to follow (source-2).
Moreover, the Biden administration's coordinated efforts with FEMA and other federal agencies demonstrate a proactive approach to disaster recovery, rather than a lack of funding. The presence of FEMA personnel and the ongoing distribution of aid further contradict the claim of insufficient financial resources (source-3).
The sources used in this analysis are credible, coming from official government announcements and reputable news outlets. They provide a clear picture of the federal response to the disaster, reinforcing the conclusion that the claim in question is unfounded.
Conclusion
Verdict: False. The assertion that President Joe Biden informed FEMA there was no money available for North Carolina flooding is incorrect. The Biden administration has actively provided significant financial assistance and continues to support recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Sources
- Biden-Harris Administration Provides More Than $45 Million for Hurricane Helene
- Biden-Harris Administration Sends North Carolina $100 Million in Emergency Relief Funding
- Biden-Harris Administration Continues Recovery Efforts in North Carolina Following Hurricane Helene
- Governor Cooper and President Biden Survey Damage from Hurricane Helene
- Expedited Major Disaster Declaration Request
- Biden-Harris Administration Sends North Carolina $100 Million in Emergency Relief Funding
- Trump Administration Denies North Carolina Request for FEMA Assistance
- Biden Pledges Federal Help for States in the Southeast Stricken by Catastrophic Storm
