Congress Approves Disaster Relief for Hurricane Helene Recovery in Western North Carolina

A narrowly avoided government shutdown secures billions in aid, but political turmoil delays broader relief efforts.

Western North Carolina will receive billions in federal disaster relief following Hurricane Helene, which caused over $53 billion in damages and claimed 103 lives.
The relief package was included in a last-minute spending bill to prevent a government shutdown, but broader recovery funding remains uncertain.
Political opposition, led by Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump, derailed an earlier bipartisan compromise, delaying critical aid and cutting other programs like pediatric cancer research funding.
Local communities, including Spruce Pine, face severe challenges rebuilding essential infrastructure, such as water treatment facilities, with many residents still displaced or living in precarious conditions.
State and local officials continue to push for additional federal support, emphasizing the urgent housing crisis and long-term recovery needs in the region.