Several Republicans in Congress who voted against a continuing resolution in September that included additional funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) now face the threat of another catastrophic hurricane.
Late Monday morning, Hurricane Milton—which exhibited rapid intensification overnight—was classified as a Category 5, according to the most recent National Hurricane Center (NHC) update. A hurricane is classified as a Category 5 when it reaches wind speeds of 157 mph or greater. Forecasts show Milton making landfall in the Tampa Bay area on Wednesday, but the expected wind speeds at landfall are still uncertain.
The incoming storm comes not even two weeks after many Republicans—including several in Florida—voted against a continuing resolution with additional aid for FEMA. Some GOP lawmakers have since called for Congress to reconvene to discuss additional aid for victims of Hurricane Helene, which tore through Florida before moving inland on September 26 after the continuing resolution went to vote.
Gulf of Mexico waters rush the beach as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Hurricane Milton is forecast to hit several Florida districts represented by Republicans who voted against additional FEMA funding.
Joe Raedle/Getty
Milton is forecast to hit Florida’s western coast, then move across the state’s peninsula before exiting on the eastern coast into the Atlantic Ocean by Thursday. The districts of several Republicans who voted against the continuing resolution are in the path of the storm, including Representatives Daniel Webster, Gus Bilirakis, Laurel Lee, Anna Paulina Luna, Cory Mills and Bill Posey. Others, like Representative Byron Donalds, aren’t in the direct path but will likely experience some of the widespread effects of the storm, such as strong wind and heavy rain.
Newsweek on Monday reached out to the offices of each representative via email for comment.
Bilirakis told Newsweek the following, in a statement: “I have traveled throughout my district in recent days and I’ve witnessed the devastation that my constituents have endured as a result of Hurricane Helene. It is unfathomable that before these residents have even begun to rebuild that we are having to prepare for another potentially catastrophic hurricane,” Bilirakis said. “I am very concerned for my district and for all Floridians as we brace for a very dangerous storm.”
“I encourage my constituents to heed the advice of local emergency professionals and to stay as safe as possible during the coming days,” he added. “This is a time when we need to be uniting in support of one another. I do support returning to Washington as soon as possible to vote on a stand-alone bill that ensures FEMA and NFIP [National Flood Insurance Program] are funded at necessary levels to respond to Milton and future disasters without being tied, as the CR [continuing resolution] was, to disastrous policies and wasteful spending. Right now, I am working with federal, state and local officials to determine the specific amounts that need to be included as well as programmatic language that will give enhanced flexibility to reimburse for activities that have allowed the state and local governments to respond to these back-to-back emergencies.”
Many members of Congress—even those who voted against the resolution—have voiced support for aiding Hurricane Helene victims. Luna recently co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to support recovery efforts.
“My constituents in Pinellas County depend on Congress to take swift and decisive action in the wake of this unprecedented disaster caused by Hurricane Helene,” Luna said in a press release. “I am ready and willing to return to Washington and ensure our communities receive the critical resources necessary for a rapid recovery. Americans are counting on us, and we must take immediate action to address their life-saving needs.”
The incoming hurricane and discussions in Congress arrive as FEMA faces a multibillion-dollar deficit, even after imposing new spending restrictions last month. The agency is forgoing some ongoing rebuilding projects related to disaster repair in efforts to be better financially equipped to face immediate needs related to natural disasters.
Some political leaders, including several Republicans, have recently criticized FEMA’s funding, accusing the agency of prioritizing money for those living in the U.S. illegally over the needs of Americans affected by disasters. On a government webpage addressing Hurricane Helene, FEMA has denied that disaster relief money has been used to support international efforts or border-related issues.
“This is false. No money is being diverted from disaster response needs. FEMA’s disaster response efforts and individual assistance is funded through the Disaster Relief Fund, which is a dedicated fund for disaster efforts. Disaster Relief Fund money has not been diverted to other, non-disaster related efforts,” the website said.
