There have been nine disasters with losses greater than $1 billion so far in 2011, representing a total loss of $35 billion, according to reports by OMB Watch, which reports and oversees federal regulation, the budget, information collection and dissemination, proposed legislation, testimony by agencies, and more.
"FEMA's disaster relief fund has dwindled, causing that agency to suspend some aid for the Joplin, Missouri, tornado recovery.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Jane Lubchenco recently noted that funding reductions could delay the replacement of a weather satellite, which would "result in some degradation in hurricane track and intensity forecasts in the important 3 to 5 day coastal evacuation planning period."
