After initially “dismissing” the residents of Maui who were affected by the recent wildfires, President Biden is now proposing a “solution” for affected residents as more information about the fatal and terrible flames comes to light. However, his proposal sparked public outrage.
On Tuesday, Aug. 15, Biden stated that his administration is willing to send out a one-time payment of $700 per household for Maui families who had lost everything in the catastrophe.
“We understand that connectivity is still scarce in some areas,” Deanne Criswell, the FEMA administrator, said. “The response and recovery efforts, I just want to note, in Hawaii, are going to be a whole-of-government approach.”
In order to qualify for a variety of benefits, including an immediate payout of $700 to cover food and water, survivors of the Maui wildfires were urged on Monday to register with the government as soon as possible.
FEMA added that it is lodging survivors in hotels and motels for a temporary period. Additionally, the SBA stated that it can offer low-interest loans of up to $500,000 to households for repairs and up to $2 million to businesses that sustained damage.
In order to access those resources, survivors must first register with FEMA via the agency’s smartphone app, website, phone number, or in person with a member of the organization’s disaster support staff on the ground, according to officials.
While natural disasters devastated American homes, communities, and even islands, the US Congress approved giving more than $113 billion in defense aid and assistance to Ukraine since February of 2022.
A further $200 million is being given, the Pentagon reported on Aug. 14, “to help Ukraine counter Russia’s ongoing war of aggression.”
Because millions upon millions were spent on defense and not on Americans struggling, President Biden’s proposal faced outrage.
“Too bad that money isn’t going to the people in Maui to rebuild. They only get 700.00 per household. Proves Biden doesn’t care about the people of the USA,” one person tweeted.
“$700 per family in Maui????? OMG! This is what he thinks of Americans!! ILLEGALS are treated better!! Look what he gave Ukraine?? So so sad for Maui What about Palestine, Ohio?? Are you paying attention, America??” commented another person.
According to Jeremy Greenberg, the head of the organization’s operations section, more than 3,000 people had signed up with FEMA by Monday, Aug. 14. Additionally, roughly 60 FEMA employees were assisting with registrations near to the shelters.
