Trump’s hiring, budget raises questions about US Harvey help

Homeland Security Adviser Tom Bossert speaks during a news briefing at the White House, in Washington, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017. Congress is gearing up for a vote as early as next week on a multibillion-dollar down payment on relief aid for Harvey. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Homeland Security Adviser Tom Bossert speaks during a news briefing at the White House, in Washington, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017. Congress is gearing up for a vote as early as next week on a multibillion-dollar down payment on relief aid for Harvey. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

By Associated Press September 1, 2017 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump’s hiring and budget plans are raising questions about whether he can deliver the “better-than-ever” recovery he’s promised after Hurricane Harvey.

In the week since Harvey dumped record rain and floods along swaths of the U.S. Gulf Coast, Trump has visited the region and showered praise on the responders. His administration is preparing a $5.9 billion emergency request to replenish FEMA’s rapidly draining disaster reserves.

But Trump is not backing off billions of dollars in proposed budget cuts in agencies involved in disaster management or his decision to leave some leadership positions vacant. The president also has said he views the disaster relief as money apart from the proposed cuts.

He has also pledged $1 million in personal funds for disaster recovery.