As Americans in the Southeast struggle to rebuild after Hurricane Helene, Vice President Kamala Harris has announced an additional $157 million in aid for Lebanon, sparking outrage among those who believe the U.S. government is neglecting its own citizens. Harris’ message, which focused on the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, has been met with harsh criticism, especially in light of ongoing rescue and recovery efforts in North Carolina and Tennessee.
Harris posted on X that the aid would go toward essential services like food and water for Lebanese civilians displaced by conflict. She pointed out that this brings the total U.S. aid to Lebanon to more than $385 million over the past year.
However, many Americans, still suffering from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, feel that these funds would be better spent at home. FEMA, the agency tasked with coordinating disaster response, is reportedly running low on funds, with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas warning that the agency may not be able to continue its work through the rest of the hurricane season.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) voiced his frustration, tweeting, “If we renamed Florida and North Carolina to Lebanon and Ukraine, maybe Kamala Harris would send disaster relief faster. She’s made it clear that being Americans puts us last in line.” Scott’s comments reflect the feelings of many who believe that American disaster victims should be the top priority for government spending.
As many Americans in the Southeast remain homeless and in need of assistance, the decision to send millions overseas is raising questions about the U.S. government’s priorities.
