Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana is criticizing the Biden administration’s response to Hurricane Helene, describing it as a failure. He expressed alarm and disappointment at officials’ comments suggesting FEMA was low on funds to deal with the aftermath of the storm. The Biden administration has indicated a need for additional disaster aid, with President Biden considering calling Congress back for an emergency session. Johnson emphasized that it would take time to assess the full extent of the damage and determine the necessary funds for recovery.
Hurricane Helene has caused devastation in multiple states in the Southeast, resulting in a high death toll. Johnson warned that the cost of recovery from this storm could be one of the most expensive the country has ever seen due to the widespread destruction it caused. He highlighted the need for accurate assessments by state and local authorities before Congress can act on providing necessary funds for recovery efforts. Johnson has personally toured some of the hardest-hit areas and is prepared to visit North Carolina as part of immediate response efforts.
Criticism of FEMA’s response to Hurricane Helene has led to accusations that disaster aid funds are being diverted to support illegal immigrants at the border. The White House and DHS have vehemently denied any link between disaster aid and migrant housing services, stating that the funding for these programs is separate and appropriately allocated. Johnson did not provide a definitive answer on these concerns but accused DHS Secretary Mayorkas of mismanagement. House Republicans are seeking to defund certain programs, including the Shelter and Services Program, to prevent what they view as misuse of taxpayer dollars by the administration.
Despite the controversy surrounding disaster aid funding and support for illegal immigrants, Johnson stressed the importance of FEMA focusing on helping Americans recover from disasters without straining resources on other programs. He criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the situation, particularly in terms of DHS’s policies on border security and illegal immigration. House Republicans are working to address these issues and prevent what they see as abuse of the law and taxpayer dollars by the current administration. Johnson emphasized the need for FEMA to prioritize disaster response efforts and not be distracted by other programs or policies.
In response to Hurricane Helene, Congress allocated approximately $20 billion in immediate funding for FEMA to address the immediate needs resulting from the storm. Johnson highlighted the complexities involved in assessing the full extent of the damage and determining the required funds for recovery. He expressed hope that the administration is working diligently to prepare for the recovery efforts ahead. Despite the challenges presented by the storm, Johnson remains committed to ensuring that Congress is ready to act once the necessary assessments are completed. He emphasized the importance of effective leadership and response in addressing the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and supporting the affected communities in their recovery efforts.
Overall, Speaker Mike Johnson has been critical of the Biden administration’s response to Hurricane Helene, expressing disappointment and concern at the handling of the situation. He emphasized the need for accurate assessments, proper allocation of funds, and a focus on disaster recovery efforts without diverting resources to other programs. Johnson’s concerns about the potential cost of recovery underscore the magnitude of the devastation caused by the storm and the challenges faced by communities in its aftermath. As efforts continue to address the impact of Hurricane Helene, Johnson and other lawmakers are working to ensure that FEMA and other agencies prioritize responding to disasters and supporting affected communities effectively.
