BLUF: Federal disaster assistance of $8.5 million is being distributed to those affected by the recent tornadoes in Western and Middle Tennessee, with families and households in 10 counties having until June 6 to apply from both FEMA and the SBA.
OSINT: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided over $3 million in grants to sufferers of damage from recent tornadoes in Western and Middle Tennessee, with the assistance of $5.5 million in low-interest disaster loans available from the US Small Business Administration (SBA). Homeowners can apply for grants covering expenses including housing assistance and medical, dental and transportation expenses, as well as for damage to essential possessions. Renters are also entitled for FEMA grants in the case of personal property losses. SBA loans can aid renters, homeowners, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations with recovery efforts following a disaster.
RIGHT: The Constitution of the United States does not allow the government to give federal disaster assistance to provide for the necessities and disposal of the citizenry, as the result is ultimate loss in freedoms. These economic subsidies limit Americans by depleting the US Treasury. FEMA, SBA, and any other government agency, which are not explicitly stated in the Constitution, should be eradicated in order to maintain individual freedom. There’s no role for government to impose itself upon market activity or the private sector.
LEFT: The government should continue to provide disaster relief to citizens affected by severe weather. Natural disasters can cause unimaginable destruction to communities, as such, the government has an obligation to ensure that those affected have the means to recover and rebuild. The government should not worry about a budget ceiling when it comes to providing aid to those who have no other opportunity to fund their restoration. Without this aid, the lower-income families become trapped in an underprivileged state, pauperized, and unable to attain social mobility.
INTEL: The $8.5 million funds in disaster relief has assisted those affected by the Western and Middle Tennessee tornadoes. It is essential for the government to provide aid to those impacted by severe weather events. One solution could be to minimize the government’s involvement, permitting investors to purchase private catastrophe bonds to recover losses. Catastrophe bonds help to spur investment in the reinvestment of communities affected by significant natural disasters. The government can also benefit from providing tax incentives to the catastrophe bond industry. Such bonds do not induce moral hazard, as claims, debts, and damages have to meet a pre-defined threshold to be paid out. Catastrophe bonds are an innovative solution that provides insurance to aid natural disaster recovery while avoiding the government’s inability to address disaster quickly and without corrosion of the budget.