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EXCLUSIVE: Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has voiced strong criticism regarding the Biden administration’s handling of Hurricane Helene, cautioning that the financial implications for recovery could be “among the highest” in U.S. history.
“There were some alarming forecasts, prompting Congress to take necessary action,” Johnson stated during an interview with Fox News Digital on Friday evening, highlighting that lawmakers allocated approximately $20 billion in immediate funding for FEMA through last month’s short-term federal funding legislation. “However, thus far, [President Biden, Vice President Harris and Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas] have not effectively responded.”
Johnson expressed his “alarm and disappointment” over comments made by Biden officials shortly after the storm hit, which suggested that FEMA was insufficiently funded to manage Helene’s devastation.
This week, Mayorkas claimed they were addressing “the immediate needs” following the hurricane but acknowledged that “FEMA does not have sufficient funds to last through this season.”
Biden indicated earlier this week a potential need for Congress to reconvene for an emergency session aimed at passing a supplemental disaster aid bill.
“They are attempting to rectify their significant errors and missteps while trying to shift blame onto others or external factors when it is fundamentally a failure of leadership and response,” Johnson remarked. He recalled Mayorkas stating in July that FEMA was “extremely prepared” for weather-related emergencies this year. Fox News Digital reached out to both the White House and DHS for their responses.
The Speaker also pointed out that lawmakers would be unable to act until state and local authorities provided assessments detailing how much funding would be necessary.
“I believe those estimates won’t realistically be ready until at least 30 days from now—after the election—and that’s when Congress will reconvene,” he noted.
HURRICANE HELENE: NORTH CAROLINA RESIDENTS STRUGGLE FOR SURVIVAL AS ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES DWINDLE
The Republican leader is well-acquainted with hurricanes; he mentioned his home state of Louisiana continues grappling with Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath even today. However, his outlook was grim regarding recovery costs following Helene’s destruction across the Southeast region where over 200 lives were lost.
He warned it could become “one of the most costly storms our nation has ever faced.”
“The impact spans at least six states—a vast area suffering extensive damage—and I believe that’s why assessing these needs will take time,” Johnson explained.
“Once those figures are available, Congress will stand ready to respond,” he assured during another segment of his remarks.
“I sincerely hope the administration is diligently working right now…to ensure preparedness.”
As part of immediate relief efforts, Johnson has visited areas in Georgia and Florida severely affected by Helene and plans a trip soon to hard-hit North Carolina.
The backlash against FEMA’s response has led some conservatives to accuse President Biden’s administration of reallocating disaster relief funds towards aiding undocumented immigrants via programs like Shelter and Services Program (SSP), which received around $650 million last fiscal year.
Both White House officials as well as DHS have firmly denied any connection between disaster aid allocations and SSP beyond both being managed by FEMA while asserting claims suggesting any disaster relief funds being utilized for migrant housing services are unfounded.
“No disaster relief resources whatsoever were used towards supporting migrants’ housing or services—none at all,” stated White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates in a memo released on Friday.
“The budget designated for communities assisting migrants comes directly from Congressional appropriations allocated specifically toward CBP; it is merely administered by FEMA without any relation whatsoever concerning its response or recovery operations.”
Johnson refrained from providing a clear answer when questioned about concerns raised within conservative circles but accused Mayorkas of mismanaging DHS.
“There exists considerable controversy surrounding various actions taken under Mayorkas’ Department of Homeland Security—including their perilous open-border policies alongside relocation initiatives involving illegal immigrants throughout our nation,” asserted Johnson.
“We’re actively working every day as House Republicans striving against such chaos.”
“As such,” he continued “it stands evident that since FEMA operates under DHS jurisdiction they ought solely focus on assisting Americans recovering from disasters rather than diverting resources meant exclusively towards other programs catering primarily towards undocumented individuals.”
When pressed further regarding whether DHS had redirected congressionally approved funding intended strictly for disaster assistance into SSP initiatives ,Johnson replied , “Different programs possess distinct budgets.”
He highlighted ongoing efforts among House Republicans aiming toward defunding SSP within current federal budget negotiations pertaining specifically fiscal year 2025.
“We’re exerting every effort possible preventing misuse laws along with taxpayer dollars stemming directly from actions taken by both The White House & Democratic Party ,” concluded Mr.Johnson .
This report includes contributions from Adam Shaw at Fox News Digital
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