Sen. Bill Nelson not satisfied with FEMA's Irma response

Florida Sen. Bill Nelson said he is not satisfied with the Federal Emergency Management Agency's progress following Hurricane Irma.

“Of course not. And that’s why I’m on the phone with the head of FEMA almost every other day,” Nelson told Action News Jax.

Nelson said he asked the federal agency to extend the deadline for Floridians who need temporary housing.

“That cutoff was coming this weekend. I have asked FEMA to extend that deadline into next week,” Nelson said.

With multiple hurricanes hitting in a short time frame, it’s no secret that FEMA’s budget is stretched thin.

Nelson said the $15 billion that Congress just appropriated for FEMA will only last a few more weeks.

He said Congress will have to appropriate more money next month.

Action News Jax asked Nelson if people in Northeast Florida should be worried about FEMA’s budget.

“If we don’t appropriate the money,” Nelson said. “And there are people who will vote 'no' on a FEMA appropriation.”

Two weeks ago, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said FEMA still owes Jacksonville $27 million for Hurricane Matthew.

Nelson said Jacksonville needs to continue to demand that money.

Cox Media Group