White House Seeks $12 Billion in Disaster Aid as Hawaii Suffers

Disaster recovery and response activities would receive an additional $12 billion under a wide-ranging supplemental request from the White House, as the administration monitors wildfire devastation in Hawaii with peak hurricane season approaching.

Whether that figure will grow as a result of the situation in Hawaii remains to be seen. The administration will work with state leaders to assess what else is needed, a senior administration official told reporters Thursday.

The $12 billion reflects the looming shortfall in the Disaster Relief Fund, as well as a projection of potential needs through the end of the year.

The wildfires in Hawaii ...