U.S. To Provide Over $100 Million in ‘Humanitarian Assistance’ to Lebanon
The U.S. announced this week that it would provide $157 million in humanitarian aid to help address the ongoing crisis in Lebanon.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the aid will support internally displaced people and refugee populations within the country.
“The United States will provide nearly $157 million in new U.S. humanitarian assistance to support populations affected by conflict in Lebanon and the region,” Blinken said in the press release.
“This funding will address new and existing needs of internally displaced persons and refugee populations inside Lebanon and the communities that host them. The assistance will also support those fleeing to neighboring Syria.”
The announcement came just after Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas admitted that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) does not have enough funding to last through this year’s hurricane season.
“We are meeting the immediate needs with the money that we have. We are expecting another hurricane hitting,” Mayorkas told reporters. “FEMA does not have the funds to make it through the season.”
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
FEMA has spent nearly $1 billion on migrant efforts between fiscal years 2023 and 2024.
FEMA allocated $640.9 million for FY2024.
In April, FEMA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) granted $300 million for migrant services through the Shelter and Services Program.
“The initial funding will be available to 55 grant recipients for temporary shelter and other eligible costs associated with migrants awaiting the outcome of their immigration proceedings,” a press release said.
Another $340.9 million was also granted through the Shelter and Services Program-Competitive.