Govt. shutdown, FEMA funding could affect eastern NC

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The government is just days away from a possible shutdown unless Congress strikes a deal.  This is the third time the government has run the risk of shutting down this year.

On Monday, the Senate is expected to vote on a temporary funding measure after rejecting a House bill Friday that would've kept the government running through mid-November.

"This is a basic function of congress to keep the government running. And so, what we ought not to do is play politics with those who have been affected by disasters," White House adviser David Plouffe told Fox News Sunday.

At issue are billions of dollars to help victims of floods, tornadoes and other natural disasters. Republicans want spending cuts to offset the extra money but democrats insist that will cost thousands of jobs.

If Congress doesn't reach a deal soon, government funds could run dry this weekend. FEMA could go broke as early as Tuesday, leaving disaster victims begging for action. Congressional leaders talked over the weekend but reported little progress.  

"It is mostly centered in the House in terms of these Tea Party Republicans, who say, 'on every issue, we're going to make this a make or break,’" Sen. Mark Warner (D-Virginia) told CNN. With approval ratings already at an all time low, both parties are blaming each other.

"Everybody knows we're going to pay for every single penny of disaster aid that the President declares and that FEMA certifies. And the house sent over a bill that does that and the Senate should have approved it," said Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tennessee). While the House is on a weeklong recess right now, members could be called back to reach a deal.

Many economists warn continued gridlock on Capitol Hill will only stall the nation's recovery.

So with FEMA funding in danger, what does that mean up for Hurricane Irene cleanup in the east?

FEMA is saying if the government were to shut down, they would run out of money by the end of the week.

With most of eastern North Carolina still looking to FEMA for recovery assistance, the news couldn't have come at a worse time.

"We are really, you know, that's our last hope.  That's about it right there.  I don't even know what to think," said Kelly Overton, a Hickory Point storm victim.

"Under law, FEMA would be forced to temporarily shut down disaster recovery and assistance operations, including financial assistance to individuals until Congress appropriated more funds," said Rachel Racusen, a FEMA Spokeswoman.

Funds that are badly needed back in Hickory Point where the Overtons are hoping to rebuild their home, but without FEMA's assistance, they have no place to live during the rebuilding.

"You can see the mold already growing here," said Lee.

"This is the first time this has every happened and it's hard to come home to something like this and you look around your house and you just see nothing but disgust, I mean… this isn't home anymore," said Kelly.

As the Overtons continue to apply for one of FEMA's mobile homes, they say they're not alone, but if the government were to shut down, they might be just that

"There's people all around us that need help.  A lot of people have been denied, totally denied," said Lee.

"I'm not asking for FEMA to make us whole or anybody else, I'm just asking for some help because this is way too much for us, I mean, we're just two people and it's just too much.  I don't know how to do it all," said Kelly.

As of Monday morning, the balance of the Disaster Relief Fund stood at approximately $114 million.

FEMA officials say to continue to apply for disaster relief and they will monitor the situation in Washington.