Budd opposes Trump’s latest funding request due to lack of Helene relief

U.S. Sen. Ted Budd, a Republican from North Carolina, has vowed to block President Donald Trump’s latest funding request because it doesn’t include additional federal funding for Hurricane Helene. 

It’s a bold move for the junior senator, who met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago to receive his endorsement before Budd’s 2022 Senate bid. 

Trump last week requested $87.6 billion in supplemental funding from Congress, most of which is for the Pentagon to address “urgent needs” related to the Iran War. The proposal also asks for funding to respond to the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa and support for American farmers. 

Budd said in a statement last week that while he backs Trump’s request to strengthen the military and provide economic support to farmers, he’s “disappointed” the package doesn’t include funding for western North Carolina’s “significant ongoing recovery needs,” despite repeated pleas from the state’s congressional delegation, Democratic Gov. Josh Stein, and Republican state legislative leaders.

“Nearly two years since Hurricane Helene ravaged our state, debris still clogs waterways,” Budd said. “Roads, bridges, and dams require repair or replacement. Homeowners are paying mortgages on properties that were wiped away. Quite simply, the need continues to outweigh what the state and local communities can bear.”

Budd said he appreciates the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s assistance with reimbursing state and local governments for rebuilding projects. However, it isn’t enough. 

Although the state has received some funding from the Small Business Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as disaster relief funding Congress passed in December 2024, those resources are running dry, Budd said. 

Key NC Senate budget writer offers glimpse at Helene relief numbers in state budget

“For that reason,” Budd continued, “I will vote against any supplemental appropriations package that does not include additional funding for Western North Carolina.”

He said the area’s water infrastructure is “particularly vulnerable.” Residents of places like Beech Mountain are facing “major uncertainty” with their water system, and replacing it could take years and tens of millions of dollars they don’t have.

“Every time I’m in WNC, people ask me to make sure that they’re not forgotten. I’d ask my colleagues in Washington and Raleigh to send them a clear message that we’re with them by passing additional funding for disaster recovery,” Budd said. 

Thom Tillis, North Carolina’s senior senator, has not publicly weighed in, but he has sparred with Trump in recent months and opposed his funding requests. Rather than face a Republican primary challenge, Tillis is retiring at the end of this term.

North Carolina Democratic former Gov. Roy Cooper and Trump-backed former Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley are both vying for Tillis’ seat, which could play a pivotal role in deciding which party controls the upper chamber. 

Tillis did not immediately respond to NC Newsline’s request for comment.