Following the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Irene, Republicans in the House of Representatives have called for the cutting of spending in other parts of the budget in order to make up for additional money to FEMA for disaster relief.

Some have feared that this could affect many of the people that are relying on the relief to survive, especially if funding is cut as a result.

As a result of recent disasters such as Hurricane Irene—which has caused billions of dollars in damage as well as numerous fatalities and displaced people—along with various earthquakes and tornadoes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster fund is expected to run out of money by the end of the month.

According to The Los Angeles Times, FEMA has less than $800 million left in a special disaster fund. It already was spending $400 million a month before Hurricane Irene swept ashore.

House Republicans have become worried that this will cause the federal government to increase the deficit even more and have suggested that if the government gives more funding to FEMA that there should be equal cuts elsewhere.

“We will find the money if there is a need for additional money, but those monies are not unlimited,” Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), the House majority leader, told Fox News. “We’ll find other places to save so that we can fund the role the federal government needs to play.”

Democrats seem less worried about the deficit and more about those affected by the disasters.

“Now is not the time for another round of budget politics,” said Rep. David Price of North Carolina, the top Democrat on the Homeland Security appropriations subcommittee. “Livelihoods and local economies depend on swift relief and assistance in the event of a natural disaster, and the millions of Americans affected by Irene and other recent events can’t afford to wait around while Republicans pick another budget fight with the president by holding disaster relief hostage to further spending cuts.”

President Obama issued a statement and said, “We’re going to make sure folks have all the support they need as they begin to assess and repair the damage left by the storm.”

Democrats have criticized the new republican plan.

Sen. Mary L. Landrieu (D-La.), chairwoman of the Senate’s Homeland Security appropriations subcommittee, called the proposed cuts “shortsighted.”

“The House bill would say to America’s communities: You can’t count on the federal government as a reliable partner,” Landrieu said Monday. “The excessive cuts in the House bill would be pulling the legs out from under state and local governments at the time when they need a helping hand the most.”

While the battle in congress rages on, FEMA itself has asked the White House for more money, but will not be approving any new disaster relief anytime soon.

“Any projects that have not come in for approval, we’re not going to be able to fund those as this point. We’re going to postpone those,” FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate told reporters at the White House. “Our goal is to keep this disruption as short as possible, but it was prudent.”