How Republicans Who Voted Against FEMA Funding Reacted to Hurricane Helene

When Congress approved a temporary measure that replenished the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) disaster relief fund just before Hurricane Helene struck, Republicans supplied all the no votes in both chambers.
Congress passed the stopgap spending bill on September 25 to keep government agencies funded into December, avoiding a shutdown, while pushing final spending decisions until after Election Day. The Senate passed the measure by a 78-18 vote. The House had approved it in a 341-82 vote.
The House Republican majority relied on Democrats to pass the legislation since many in the GOP generally opposed stopgap measures, and said that it did not do enough to rein in government spending.
The bill provided $20 billion for FEMA—the same amount the agency got last year. It also gave FEMA flexibility to draw on money as needed, but it left out billions that had been requested in supplemental disaster funding.
Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm in Florida, before moving through several other Southeastern states and causing devastation. The economic impact of Helene could be as much as $160 billion, according to a report from AccuWeather. Forecasters say another major hurricane, Milton, is expected to hit Florida on Wednesday.
The response to Helene has become a political flashpoint, with former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, and his many of allies attacking President Joe Biden’s administration’s handling of the response, with some claiming that FEMA was not responding well enough because it had diverted disaster relief funds to help migrants.
That is not true, because while FEMA administers the Shelter and Services Program, funding for it does not come from the agency’s disaster relief fund, but from a separate pot of money funded by Congress for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
FEMA has set up a “rumor response” page to counter misinformation about Helene. It says claims that funding for disaster response were diverted to support border-related issues are “false,” noting that the FEMA’s disaster relief fund is “a dedicated fund for disaster efforts” and money meant for the fund “has not been diverted to other, non-disaster related efforts.”
Another prominent claim, mentioned by Trump at his Saturday rally in Pennsylvania, was that storm victims were only being offered $750.
While residents do have access to the money, called Serious Needs Assistance, it is just one part of the many federal relief programs.
During a visit to Georgia, Vice President Kamala Harris said: “And the federal relief and assistance that we have been providing has included FEMA providing $750 for folks who need immediate needs being met, such as food, baby formula, and the like. And you can apply now.”
She also went on to outline additional, longer-term emergency funding. “FEMA is also providing tens of thousands more dollars for folks to help them be able to deal with home repair, to be able to cover a deductible when and if they have insurance, and also hotel costs,” she said.
There had been concerns about FEMA’s long-term funding for disaster relief efforts even before Helene hit.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who oversees FEMA, said last week that the agency can meet immediate needs, but does not have enough funding to make it through hurricane season, which lasts until the end of November.
Twelve senators representing the states devastated by Helene said in a letter to congressional leaders that Congress must act to “meet the unmet needs in our states and address the scope and scale of destruction experienced by our constituents.”
The letter went on to say it may mean Congress reconvening before the election to ensure a disaster relief package can be enacted before the end of the year. They included three Republicans—Marsha Blackburn, Ted Budd and Bill Hagerty—who voted against the stopgap spending bill.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Sunday that he does not intend to call Congress back in session before the election, pointing to the $20 billon that was approved for FEMA the day before Helene hit.
Here is how Republicans who voted against that bill have reacted in the wake of Helene.
Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee
Blackburn has repeatedly pushed the false claims that the Biden administration is diverting FEMA funding for migrants on social media.
“At least 200 lives taken,” she wrote on X on Thursday. “6 states ravaged by flooding and destruction. Thousands of homes and businesses taken from hardworking families. Yet, the Biden-Harris admin siphoned $1B in FEMA funds for illegals. This should outrage every American.”
Senator Mike Braun of Indiana
Braun does not appear to have issued any statements or posts about Helene.
Senator Katie Britt of Alabama
Britt, who is on the Senate committee that oversees funding for FEMA, has said that the agency’s disaster relief fund will “need additional funding in the coming months for the remainder of fiscal year 2025.”
“We will undoubtedly learn more about short- and long-term recovery needs in the coming days and weeks, and I look forward to hearing from the administration on what additional resources are needed to aid our fellow Americans who have lost loved ones, livelihoods, property, and possessions due to Hurricane Helene,” she said, according to The Hill.
Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina
“It is clear that the damage in western North Carolina is catastrophic,” Budd said in a statement on September 28.” There is no doubt that the road to recovery will be long and difficult, but we will marshal all available resources to assist the region, including public, private, and charitable. We are all in this together.”
In a recent interview with Newsmax, Budd said North Carolina residents are “tough mountain people” and “a lot of them don’t want to leave their homes.”
Speaking about the federal government’s response, Budd said: “We’re grateful, first of all, that they’re there. But there was a lot of bureaucratic hand-wringing early on, and it was slow, but now they’re on the ground, things are improving.”
Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho
Crapo does not appear to have issued any statements or posts about Helene.
Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska
Fischer does not appear to have issued any statements or posts about Helene.
Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee
In an interview with Fox Business on October 3, Hagerty said Helene was “a once in a greater than 1000-year event” and the amount of damage is “just hard to imagine.”
Hagerty, who is on the Senate committee that oversees funding for FEMA, said Congress needed to reconvene to approve emergency funding and that he was “more than wiling” to come back to Washington D.C. early to “make certain that we have the funding appropriated and ready to go.”
Hagerty added: “Everybody’s pitching in. Everybody wants to do the right thing, and as a member of Congress, my job is to make certain we have the resources to get that done,” he said. “So we need to be on this post-haste to make certain that we don’t have a resource problem at FEMA that would in any way constrain our ability to address the devastation that’s happened here.”
Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri
Hawey recently shared a Fox News article noting Mayorkas had said in July that FEMA was “tremendously prepared” on X, adding: “Another reminder Alejandro Mayorkas should have been removed from office long ago.”
Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin
Johnson is among a group of five Senate Republicans led by Senator James Lankford who wrote to Biden to say that his administration’s “reliance on FEMA to address the ongoing border crisis (…) has diminished FEMA’s readiness for disaster relief, including hurricane relief.” Senators Rand Paul, Josh Hawley and Roger Marshall also signed the letter.
Senator Mike Lee of Utah
“Unacceptable,” Lee wrote on X, alongside a New York Post article about FEMA’s funding shortfall.
Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas
Marshall has slammed the Biden administration’s response to Helene, saying in an interview with Fox Business that what Democrats “do is they create policies, and then they want more government programs, more money to solve the problem.”
He added: “At the end of the day, I still think that this is incompetence, that FEMA and or Congress has not prioritized.”
Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma
Mullin has praised Trump for visiting hurricane-ravaged Georgia. “What you’re seeing is a real leader, and you’re seeing a president that actually cares for people,” he said.
Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky
Paul was among the lawmakers who wrote to Biden to say that FEMA’s “continued entanglement” in “efforts to respond to the border crisis could impact its readiness and emergency response mission.”
Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska
Ricketts does not appear to have issued any statements or posts about Helene.
Senator James Risch of Idaho
Risch does not appear to have issued any statements or posts about Helene.
Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri
Schmitt has pushed the false claims that FEMA’s disaster relief money was rerouted to help migrants.
“FEMA is set up to help Americans during natural disasters,” he wrote on X. “Kamala & Biden used the money to house illegal immigrants. FEMA’s now saying they are broke & can’t help suffering Americans.”
Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina
After surveying the damage from Helene in his state, Scott said: “We witnessed the devastation. Without question, our state needs our support, and we will recover. God bless South Carolina. God bless every single state devastated by Helene. God bless our recovery.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama
Tuberville has criticized FEMA’s response to Helene. “We give $20 billion a year to FEMA and unfortunately they have drained everything dry with all the illegal aliens coming in,” he said on Fox Business.
He shared the interview on X, writing that Harris and Biden “are quick to throw BILLIONS of taxpayer dollars to Ukraine or illegal aliens, yet when Americans are in trouble, they are nowhere to be seen. Americans are hurting NOW. We need someone in the White House who will put the needs of American citizens FIRST, not last.”
Representative James Baird of Indiana
Baird does not appear to have issued any statements or posts about Helene.
Representative Troy Balderson of Ohio
Balderson posted on X that he was “grateful for the incredible crews and linemen” from power company AEP Ohio for “working around the clock to restore power following #HurricaneHelene. And special thanks to the Ohio crews who were sent to North Carolina to help the communities hit hardest by the storm.”
Representative Jim Banks of Indiana
Banks does not appear to have issued any statements or posts about Helene.
Representative Aaron Bean of Florida
“As we stand in the aftermath of Hurricane #Helene, my heart is heavy for the communities in Florida,” Bean posted on X last week. “Today, it’s important to remember that we will rebuild, we will recover, and we will do this together because we are #FloridaStrong.”
In another post, he said Helene “left a tragic impact on our state, adding: “I’m proud of the @FLGuard, line workers, and all our first responders for their heroic efforts. Their dedication to protecting and serving our communities is truly inspiring.”
Representative Andy Biggs of Arizona
“In the week following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, we’ve seen an outpouring of support for the Southeast from across the nation,” Biggs wrote on X on Friday. “Cindy and I are continuing to pray for all those affected by Helene’s destruction. America stands with you.”
He also said that allegations of FEMA “impeding attempts to assist those” impacted by Helene are “extremely concerning,” in response to X owner Elon Musk accusing FEMA of blocking the delivery of Starlink terminals in parts of North Carolina.
FEMA said rumors about it turning away donations or confiscating supplies are false.
Representative Gus Bilirakis of Florida
Bilirakis and other Florida lawmakers sent a letter to Biden on Friday, urging the president “to direct federal agencies to expedite state-requested resources and actions and to implement precedented emergency policy flexibilities to facilitate a seamless federal response” to Helene.
On social media, he has been sharing links to resources for those in need of help.
Bilirakis told Newsweek that this “is a time when we need to be uniting in support of one another.”
He said he supports returning to Washington as soon as possible to vote on a stand-alone bill that ensures FEMA and the 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.”
Representative Dan Bishop of North Carolina
Bishop said on social media that he was “hearing from countless North Carolinians who are appalled by FEMA’s response to the catastrophic damage from Helene.”
He wrote: “FEMA should be focused on helping Americans. Not illegal aliens. This shouldn’t be a debate. This is unconscionable and a national scandal.”
Representative Lauren Boebert of Colorado
Boebert has slammed the federal government’s response, writing on X that Florida Congressman Cory Mills is “doing more for the hurricane victims than FEMA” and that the agency “shouldn’t spend one cent on illegal aliens.”
Representative Mike Bost of Illinois
Bost does not appear to have issued any statements or posts about Helene.
Representative Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma
Brecheen criticized FEMA in an October 3 post on X, writing: “FEMA spent more than a billion of our taxpayer dollars on illegal aliens. This money could have been used to help the victims of Hurricane Helene. The Biden-Harris administration puts American citizens last.”
Representative Tim Burchett of Tennessee
Burchett and other lawmakers wrote to Biden on October 1, urging him to approve Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s request for additional assistance.
“Lots of Tennesseans were hit hard by Helene. President Biden needs to approve Governor Lee’s request for additional assistance to help them out,” he wrote on X alongside the letter.
Burchett also issued a statement on October 3, responding to the spread of misinformation in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
“There’s been a bunch of misinformation on the internet surrounding relief efforts in my state, and I felt it was my duty to weigh in due to the seriousness of the situation,” he said. “I appreciate the Tennessee National Guard stepping up, as well as the emergency rescue personnel and volunteers on the ground.”
However, on the same day, he pushed the false claims about FEMA funding being diverted to help migrants. “FEMA spending over a billion dollars on illegals while they leave Americans stranded and without help is treasonous. U.S. citizens are dying. Pray for our country folks,” Burchett wrote.
Representative Eric Burlison of Missouri
Burlison slammed the Biden administration’s response to Helene.
“The videos emerging from areas affected by Hurricane Helene are heartbreaking,” he wrote on X. “The lack of response by the Biden-Harris administration is appalling. I commend the everyday Americans who are working tirelessly to rescue those in need while the federal government stages photo op’s and phone calls onboard Air Force Two.”
Representative Kat Cammack of Florida
Cammack said on social media there had been “heartbreaking scenes all over Florida in the wake of Hurricane Helene.”
She added: “For the last several days throughout our district, we’ve documented the destruction and the recovery. We may bend, but we never break.”
During a press conference last week, she thanked those involved in the response. “So many people lost so much, and I can’t thank our federal, state, local partners and nonprofit partners enough for the work that they’re doing,” she said. “I have to tell you, nobody does the recovery better than Governor [Ron] DeSantis and the state of Florida.”
Cammack has also said she is “absolutely certain” Congress will consider a supplemental aid package to provide additional relief to areas devastated by Helene.
The issue with the stopgap spending bills “is that it’s not just enough to keep the government going,” Cammack said in an interview on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal.
“You’re not meeting the needs of where the country and your communities currently are at. So that’s why we need to actually go through the appropriations process and be thoughtful and strategic about where these dollars are going, rather than just a blank check and a rubber stamp that’s missing complete swathes of people and needs that are out there.”
She added: “I’m absolutely certain there will be a supplemental. My fear is that it turns into a political football, and, quite frankly, things like this, there’s no room for politics when it comes to disasters and emergencies.”
She also urged Floridians to be prepared for Hurricane Milton, which is expected to make landfall in Florida this week.
“With the recent devastation from Helene, we know the drill on preparedness. Now’s the time to get ready, Florida!” Cammack wrote alongside a message from the National Hurricane Center.
Representative Michael Cloud of Texas
“FEMA is claiming they’re out of money to help Americans suffering from a natural disaster, yet they’re giving millions of your tax dollars to support illegal immigrants across the country,” Cloud wrote on X. “This is Kamala Harris’ America—where U.S. citizens are left behind, while those who break our laws are rewarded.”
Representative Andrew Clyde of Georgia
Clyde said communities throughout Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and the Carolinas are “suffering from unimaginable devastation” after Helene.
He has also slammed the Biden administration’s response, writing on X: “FEMA’s mission is to help Americans before and after disasters. Yet the Biden-Harris administration has used more than a billion dollars allocated to FEMA to house illegal aliens. Now FEMA claims it’s running out of money and only offering Helene victims $750. DISGRACEFUL.”
Representative Mike Collins of Georgia
Collins said he had spent “an incredibly moving day” surveying the damage from Helene in his state. “We got hit hard, but thanks to the tireless efforts by the local leaders, volunteers, and emergency personnel that I met today, we will rebuild stronger than ever,” he wrote on Instagram.
Collins also recently shared a photo from Harris’ visit to FEMA headquarters on X, writing: “This is FEMA. A bunch of incompetent folks standing around doting on Kamala Harris.
“Ain’t too shocked that federal funds aren’t making their way to the people suffering in North Carolina when you’ve got a crew like this at the helm.”
Representative Eli Crane of Arizona
Crane has criticized FEMA, writing on X that the “‘Biden-Harris FEMA spent over $1 BILLION on funding illegal aliens. ‘America LAST.'”
Representative Warren Davidson of Ohio
In a statement on October 1, Davidson said the scenes in the aftermath of Helene were “heartbreaking” and criticized the federal response to the hurricane.
“Federal assistance needs to improve,” he said. North Carolina and Tennessee “are home to strong and highly capable military resources that should already be on the ground, helping rescue and recovery. While the federal response has been inadequate for the situation, thankfully, governors are sending additional resources.”
Representative Byron Donalds of Florida
“We pray for the victims who have lost everything; we pray for the families who have tragically lost loved ones; and we stand with our neighbors throughout the Southeast as recovery efforts begin,” Donalds said in a statement on September 28.
“The American people are resilient, and together, I have no doubt that we will prevail through this adversity.”
He has criticized the federal government’s response, saying on Fox Business that “the problem we have is we have these bureaucratic responses from FEMA. Everybody doesn’t just chip in and do what needs to be done immediately so that communities get back on track.”
Representative Jeff Duncan of South Carolina
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the first responders, utility workers, and emergency preparedness professionals who are working tirelessly day and night. I am encouraged by the resilience and resourcefulness of those in our community,” Duncan wrote on X on October 2 after meeting with Biden and South Carolina’s governor.
He has been sharing information about resources on social media, and recently warned people to beware bad actors in the aftermath of Helene.
“As we work towards recovery from Hurricane Helene, Beware of bad actors. FEMA and other government agencies will never ask for money for repairs, assistance, debris removal, etc. Report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement,” he wrote on X.
Representative Ron Estes of Kansas
Estes does not appear to have issued any statements or posts about Helene.
Representative Mike Ezell of Mississippi
Ezell does not appear to have issued any statements or posts about Helene.
Representative Randy Feenstra of Iowa
“We continue to pray for our fellow Americans impacted by Hurricane Helene and mourn the tragic loss of life,” Feenstra wrote on X on October 3.
Representative Brad Finstad of Minnesota
Finstad does not appear to have issued any statements or posts about Helene.
Representative Michelle Fischbach of Minnesota
Fischbach has slammed the Biden administration over Helene, writing on X that Mayorkas’ DHS “has been paying for illegal aliens—thousands of them criminals—to get across our borders. And now he says he’s got nothing left for American citizens.”
Representative Russell Fry of South Carolina
Fry shared a link to resources, telling his followers on X that “preparation is key” just before Helene made landfall.
He provided an update on the hurricane on Fox Business on September 27, saying: “I actually was woken up to a tornado warning, and so we, you know, quickly got together and sought shelter. We’re along the coast (…) you’re seeing the winds, you’re seeing the rain and the flooding. And of course, we’ve been getting drenched for a couple days now at this point.”
Representative Russ Fulcher of Idaho
“My prayers are with all those who have been impacted and are now rebuilding following Hurricane Helene,” Fulcher said in a post on X on October 1. “It is in these moments the American spirit shines—standing together and doing what we can to lend a hand. God bless.”
Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida
Gaetz said he and other Florida lawmakers had worked “to get President Biden to issue the national state of emergency that unlocks federal funding.”
He shared a clip of his comments on X, writing: “I worked with the Florida congressional delegation to secure federal funding for Hurricane Helene recovery. There will be resources and support for debris removal, individual assistance and our local governments.”
Gaetz has also criticized the federal government’s response to Helene. Last week, he sent a letter to Mayorkas demanding answers about whether FEMA misappropriated money from the disaster relief fund by spending it “on non-disaster-relief programs, such as providing services to illegal aliens.”
In a press release, Gaetz’s office said it has heard from whistleblowers who allege FEMA “has severe mismanagement issues, which left federal, state, and local responders on the ground to assist with Hurricane Helene recovery efforts without deployment orders.”
Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas
Gonzales has shared a post from U.S. Border Patrol on Facebook about the agency’s deployment of agents from the Del Rio Sector in Texas to assist those in need in the aftermath of Helene.
Representative Bob Good of Virginia
Good said he voted against the stopgap bill because it “continues egregious Biden-Harris deficit spending” and “funds the agencies destroying our country,” among other reasons.
He criticized the Biden administration’s response to Helene, writing on X on September 30 that it was “putting Americans LAST. Biden spent the weekend on vacation in Delaware. Harris was fundraising in California.”
After Biden said Trump was “lying” when he claimed Georgia Governor Brian Kemp could not get hold of the president, Good wrote on X: “The truth: Biden was occupied beaching in Delaware, and VP Harris was too busy fundraising in California, to manage the hurricane response or prevent a strike by standing up to the union bosses.”
Representative Lance Gooden of Texas
Gooden has repeatedly blasted the Biden administration in the wake of Helene.
“Communities in the American Southeast have been devastated by flooding,” he wrote on X on September 29.
“Joe Biden is sleeping on the beach in Delaware. Kamala Harris is with the elite in San Francisco. America has no leader.”
In a more recent post, he suggested that money spent on migrants should have been spent on disaster recovery.
“The United States will soon have faced two devastating hurricanes in less than two weeks,” he wrote in a post on Monday. “We could use the $150 billion spent on illegal aliens last year right about now.”
Representative Paul Gosar of Arizona
Gosar has repeatedly criticized the Biden administration over its response to Helene.
On Sunday, he responded to a post from Harris announcing aid for Lebanon, writing: “Are you kidding me? What about the people of the United States—including those in FL, GA and NC that are struggling from Hurricane Helene? You’ve turned your back on them.”
He also responded to reports of whistleblower allegations about FEMA’s response, writing on X: “Disgraceful does not describe what is taking place in these storm-torn areas of our country. The federal response has been non-existent and Bush-league.”
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia
Greene sparked a backlash after posting on X that “they can control the weather” in the wake of Helene.
She later doubled down on the allegation, writing on X: “Anyone who says they don’t, or makes fun of this, is lying to you. By the way, the people know it and hate all of you who try to cover it up.”
She has also called for FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell to resign, claiming that FEMA is “is confiscating supplies, blocking help to Helene survivors, and using disaster relief funds to house illegals.”
FEMA has said money meant for the fund “has not been diverted to other, non-disaster related efforts” and that rumors the agency is turning way donations, stopping trucks or vehicles with donations, confiscating and seizing supplies are all false.
Representative Morgan Griffith of Virginia
Griffith has shared images from his visits surveying damage from Helene in his home state.
He and several Republicans representing states affected by Helene have also urged the Department of Agriculture to “take swift action to support farmers and rural communities” affected by Helene.
Representative Michael Guest of Mississippi
Guest has criticized the Biden administration, writing on X: “Biden and Mayorkas have prioritized spending tax dollars on illegal immigrants. House GOP sought to remove Mayorkas earlier this year only to have Senate Democrats dismiss the articles of impeachment. Mayorkas and Biden have failed the American people in their time of need.”
Representative Harriet Hageman of Wyoming
Hageman does not appear to have issued any statements or posts about Helene.
Representative Andy Harris of Maryland
Harris, chair of the House Freedom Caucus, promoted the claims that FEMA’s funding for disaster relief was being spent on migrants.
“FEMA should spend its funds on helping Americans after a disaster, not housing illegal immigrants,” he said on X.
Representative Clay Higgins of Louisiana
Higgins has repeatedly criticized the federal response to Helene.
In a letter calling on Biden to make additional Department of Defense resources available, he wrote that “the magnitude and scope of devastation left by Hurricane Helene is unlike that of any disaster I have previously witnessed.”
He wrote: “I am growing increasingly concerned that our traditional response model is incapable of meeting the demands of this moment. While I appreciate my colleagues from these areas who are working tirelessly to deliver relief, it is my belief that DOD assets should be made available to supplement FEMA and other federal response efforts.”
Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio
Jordan has accused the Biden administration of abandoning victims of Helene and promoted the false claims about FEMA funding being used for migrants.
“The Biden-Harris administration took more than a billion tax dollars that had been allocated to FEMA for disaster relief and used it to house illegal aliens,” he wrote on X. “Now, they’ve abandoned American hurricane victims in North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee.”
Representative John Joyce of Pennsylvania
Joyce does not appear to have issued any statements or posts about Helene.
Representative Trent Kelly of Mississippi
Kelly does not appear to have issued any statements or posts about Helene.
Representative Darin LaHood of Illinois
LaHood does not appear to have issued any statements or posts about Helene.
Representative Laurel Lee of Florida
Lee has repeatedly posted and shared information about resources for hurricane victims in the wake of Helene, including guidance about how to apply for FEMA assistance.
She posted on X on October 4 that she met with FEMA representatives at the Hillsborough County Disaster Recovery Center “to learn more about how the local, state, and federal governments are working together to ensure that all Floridians have the resources they need while recovering from Hurricane Helene.”
More recently, she has warned Floridians to evacuate if advised to do so ahead of Milton’s arrival. “This could be the worst storm to hit the Tampa area in over 100 years if it stays on its current track,” she wrote on X on Monday.
Representative Debbie Lesko of Arizona
“Please join me in praying for the thousands of families affected by Hurricane Helene,” Lesko wrote on X on September 30. “The damage we’re seeing is heartbreaking and we must do everything in our power to help.”
Representative Greg Lopez of Colorado
Lopez has criticized the Biden administration’s response, saying that its “America-last policies have hurt Americans.”
“Suffering Americans deserve more from their government in response, financial support, and adequate planning for foreseeable disasters,” he wrote on X.
He has also pushed the false claims that FEMA’s disaster relief funds were diverted to help migrants. “How dare FEMA demand more funding after spending your tax dollars to house and feed illegal immigrants and failing to prepare for this catastrophe?!” Lopez wrote.
Representative Anna Paulina Luna of Florida
Luna said her “heart breaks” for the nine people who lost their lives during Helene in her congressional district in Pinellas County, near Tampa.
“These devastating losses are a reminder of how dangerous these storms can be,” she said. “We will continue to work closely with local and federal authorities to ensure all resources are available for recovery. Pinellas is strong, and we will rebuild and come through this tragedy more united than ever. My family is praying for you.”
Since then, she has shared resources about applying for FEMA assistance and is co-sponsoring bipartisan legislation that would allocate an additional $15 billion for the response to Helene, including $10 billion for FEMA.
“I am ready and willing to return to Washington and ensure our communities receive the critical resources necessary for a rapid recovery,” she said. “Americans are counting on us, and we must take immediate action to address their lifesaving needs.”
Luna has repeatedly criticized the federal government’s response and pushed the claims that the Biden administration was “using FEMA dollars to help illegals.”
Ahead of Milton’s arrival, Luna also called out Vice President Kamala Harris for criticizing DeSantis, writing: “We need FEMA DOLLARS FREE’D UP. ALL ASSETS. STOP ATTACKING RON AND DO YOUR JOB!”
Representative Morgan Luttrell of Texas
“Leslie and I are praying for all of those who have been affected by Hurricane Helene and the devastation left in its path,” Lutrell wrote on X on October 1.
Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina
Mace has said that “our hearts go out to all Americans impacted by Hurricane Helene and its aftermath, especially to the families of the 33 lives lost in South Carolina.”
She has introduced legislation to end the Shelter and Services Program, despite funding for the program being separate from FEMA’s disaster relief fund, and redirect the money to support hurricane victims.
“It’s unacceptable for Americans to grapple with the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Helene while the federal government remains fixated on spending hundreds of millions on a program sheltering illegal immigrants instead of helping our own citizens,” she said in a statement.
“Kamala Harris and Alejandro Mayorkas have turned FEMA into a migrant resettlement agency. It’s time to end this mess.”
On X, she wrote: “FEMA’s immigration program should be terminated. All funds must go to Hurricane relief IMMEDIATELY.”
Representative Tracey Mann of Kansas
Mann does not appear to have issued any statements or posts about Helene.
Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky
Massie does not appear to have issued any statements or posts about Helene.
Representative Tom McClintock of California
McClintock does not appear to have issued any statements or posts about Helene.
Representative Rich McCormick of Georgia
“Praying for everyone as we batten down the hatches and brace for Hurricane Helene,” McCormick wrote on X as Helene made its way to his state. “My team will be standing by to offer support and help you find the resources needed in the aftermath.”
Since then, he has repeatedly criticized the Biden administration, including by pushing the false claim about FEMA’s disaster funding being diverted to help migrants.
“I just don’t understand what they think they’re doing when they take money from one program put into another illegally,” he said on Fox Business on Monday. “They’re essentially robbing us of our own money that we could be using on Americans to spend on illegal invaders.”
Representative Mary Miller of Illinois
Miller has promoted the claim about FEMA’s disaster funding being diverted to help migrants.
“Kamala Harris and Joe Biden put incompetent Marxists in positions of power, and the consequences have been devastating,” she wrote on X on Monday, sharing a post from an account called “End Wokeness.”
Representative Max Miller of Ohio
Miller does not appear to have issued any statements or posts about Helene.
Representative Cory Mills of Florida
Mills, an Army veteran, has provided assistance and distributed supplies to those affected by Helene in western North Carolina.
He criticized the federal government’s response to Helene
Describing it to Fox News on October 3 as “inept” and accusing the Biden administration of prioritizing “illegal criminal migrants” and “borders 9,000 miles away.”
“There’s towns that are absolutely devastated, and my question is again, where’s the federal government?” Mills said. “Where’s the rest of our elected officials who needs to be here to be able to respond when Americans are in trouble?”
He also called Biden’s visit to hurricane-ravaged areas “irresponsible” because it stopped air traffic.
“That was not only irresponsible, but if you’re going to come a week later, at least make sure that you’re not trying to, you know, hinder in any way further the actual operations are being led by civilian organizations and veterans such as myself and others that are trying to do what is right,” he said.
Representative Alex Mooney of West Virginia
Mooney is another who pushed the claims about FEMA’s disaster funding being spent on migrants.
“The Biden-Harris admin took more than a BILLION tax dollars that had been allocated to the agency responsible for American *disaster relief* and used it to offer services for illegal immigrants,” he wrote on X.
Representative Barry Moore of Alabama
“The Biden-Harris Administration has never run out of money for Ukraine,” Moore wrote on X on October 4.
“They’ve never run out of money for the 10 MILLION illegals they allowed into our country. But they are out of money to help Americans recover after Helene.”
He earlier said he voted against the stopgap spending bill because it “continues the out-of-control spending of the Biden-Harris Administration and does nothing to secure our border.”
Representative Nathaniel Moran of Texas
“Praying for those in Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, and beyond, hit hard by Hurricane Helene,” Moran wrote on X on October 4. “East Texas stands with you as you recover from these storms and flooding. We’re watching closely to ensure the affected region receives the support they need. We are in this together.”
Representative Ralph Norman of South Carolina
Norman has shared the claims about FEMA’s disaster funds being diverted to migrants, saying it was “OUTRAGEOUS.”
He also responded to report that said hospitals could face shortages of IV fluids because a facility in North Carolina that is one of the larger suppliers was forced to close due to flooding.
This “is a national emergency that Biden-Harris needs to address immediately!!! All money going to aid illegal immigrants needs to stop IMMEDIATELY,” Norman wrote on X.
Representative Andy Ogles of Tennessee
Ogles wrote on X on September 30 he was “devastated to see the damage caused by Hurricane Helene to Tennessee.”
He has criticized the Biden administration, accusing it of prioritizing foreign counties over the U.S.
“While Americans in Tennessee and North Carolina are left to struggle, Kamala Harris is actively letting nearly half a million Haitians remain in the U.S. and handing over a staggering $157 million to Lebanon,” he wrote on X on Monday.
“If you still don’t see that this administration prioritizes every other country over its own citizens, then you’re not paying attention.”
Representative Gary Palmer of Alabama
Palmer has accused the Biden administration of “putting Americans last,” sharing the false claim about FEMA’s disaster funding being rerouted to help migrants.
“This is unacceptable,” he wrote on X. “$1 billion in FEMA disaster funds were used towards illegal immigrants. But yesterday, Mayorkas said there were not enough FEMA funds to help American citizens.”
Representative Scott Perry of Pennsylvania
Perry, chair of the House subcommittee that oversees FEMA, has criticized aid being sent to foreign nations in the wake of Helene.
“Your hard-earned tax dollars should not be used to fund a country that supports terrorism while people are struggling with the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, their grocery bills, their electricity bills, and their daycare bills. We need to help Americans,” he wrote on X on Monday.
Perry said he had voted against the stopgap spending bill because it “merely extends the same failed spending and policies, which consistently favor the left and—much more importantly—are economically crushing the American people and our country.”
Representative Bill Posey of Florida
Posey’s X account has shared information about preparing for Hurricane Milton. He does not appear to have posted on social media or issued any statements in the wake of Helene.
Representative John Rose of Tennessee
“I am devastated for the many East Tennesseans impacted by Hurricane Helene,” Rose wrote on X on September 30. “I hope you’ll join me in praying for those still trying to get to safety, as well as the many first responders and volunteers risking their lives to help in the effort.”
He later said he was “encouraged by the outpouring of support coming from all corners of our state to help those still reeling from catastrophic flooding.”
Representative Matt Rosendale of Montana
Rosendale does not appear to have posted on social media about Helene or issued any statements.
In a statement on September 25, he said he voted against the stopgap bill because he is “tired of the Uniparty joining hands and bypassing house rules so Biden and Harris can continue their radical policies and obligate Americans for trillions of dollars we just don’t have.”
Representative Chip Roy of Texas
“The impeached DHS Secretary PRIORITIZED illegal aliens OVER American hurricane victims,” Roy wrote on X on October 3. “REMINDER: FEMA’s SSP [Shelter and Services Program] uses TAXPAYER dollars to give to sanctuaries and NGOs that FACILITATE the border crisis.”
Representative David Schweikert of Arizona
Schweikert does not appear to have posted on social media or issued any statements about Helene.
Representative Keith Self of Texas
Self has repeatedly criticized the Biden administration’s response to Helene. “The anemic federal response to the disaster in North Carolina is leaving countless people to rely on their neighbors and charitable organizations like Samaritan’s Purse,” he wrote on X on October 3.
Representative Victoria Spartz of Indiana
Spartz does not appear to have posted on social media or issued any statements about Helene.
Representative Claudia Tenney of New York
Tenney does not appear to have posted on social media or issued any statements about Helene.
Representative William Timmons of South Carolina
The effects of Helene were “catastrophic in our part of the state, and it is very clear it will take some time for us to recover,” Timmons said on X on September 28. “South Carolina is strong and resilient. We will weather this storm together.”
Timmons shared information about resources to help those affected by Helene on social media.
On October 2, Timmons thanked those who were working to restore power.
“Like many of you, I am still without power at my home,” he wrote. “I want to thank the linemen and crews working around the clock to help get power back to as many people in the Upstate as quickly and as safely as possible. Crews are here from several other states and even Canada to help get power back.”
Representative Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey
Van Drew called on the Biden administration to expedite FEMA funding for those affected by Helene.
“We need to get hurricane relief funding to the states that need it, and we need to do it fast,” he said in a statement on October 3. “It is wrong that we keep sending billions of dollars overseas to fund Ukraine’s endless war, but fall short when it comes to helping our own people during a crisis.
“This administration needs to change its priorities and focus on helping Americans in these times of need before anything else.”
Representative Beth Van Duyne of Texas
“As we continue to pray for the people and communities devastated by Hurricane Helene, I wanted to thank Shannon Daley with @SamaritansPurse in Coppell, @TexansOnMission, and the many other North Texans who are stepping up to help,” Van Duyne wrote on X on October 3.
She has also criticized Biden, writing in another post that he “didn’t know ‘which storm zone’ the reporter was asking about and then said ‘they’re very happy.’ Does anyone think he has the faintest clue about where he went and how those folks are doing?”
Representative Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin
Van Orden has repeatedly railed against the Biden administration in the aftermath of Helene.
“This is Kamala’s Katrina,” Van Orden wrote on X, referring to the hurricane that is considered a low point of Republican George W. Bush’s presidency.
In another post, he wrote: “I love the fact that civilians are stepping up to save our fellow Americans, I am also disgusted that Biden was on the Beach and @KamalaHarris was in Hollywood fundraising instead of deploying the military!”
He pushed the false claim that FEMA was diverting disaster funding to help migrants.
He also responded to a post complaining about “the Trump/MAGA approach to everything” and “constant conspiracies” by telling the person to “do the world a favor and put the J down for a moment and Google ‘Bush Katrina..”
Representative Mike Waltz of Florida
Waltz thanked first responders on X, writing that they “have been out saving lives protecting our communities” during Helene, as well as linemen “working tirelessly right now to get power back on for Florida families.”
He criticized Biden, writing that he was “confident President Trump would not be sitting in his beach chair with the Southeast dealing with hurricane devastation, the Middle East exploding, and our ports shutting down.”
In another post, he said the military “was sent to aid Katrina victims after howls from the media. Why is this White House now so slow to send them to help with the deadliest storm since?”
Representative Randy Weber of Texas
Weber has criticized sending aid to Lebanon, writing on X on Sunday that it is “completely out of touch with every American who desperately needs the federal government to step up and help AMERICANS recover from the devastating natural disasters that have ravaged our cities.”
He also railed against a FEMA-funded program that can distribute money to local organizations that provide relief to migrants. “Call it what you want—we cannot continue to pass massive spending packages where funding items like this are hidden in one bill,” he wrote on October 4.
Representative Daniel Webster of Florida
Webster shared information about how those affected can get help, writing on X: “In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many organizations are stepping up to help those affected get back on their feet.”
He praised the U.S. Coast Guard for rescuing a man and dog on a sinking boat off the coast of Florida during Helene.
He also joined with other lawmakers to call on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to act to support farmers and rural communities devastated by Helene.
Webster has also been sharing information about preparing for Milton on social media.
Representative Bruce Westerman of Arkansas
Westerman does not appear to have made any social media posts or issued any statements about Helene.
Representative Roger Williams of Texas
Williams has slammed the Biden administration for spending money on migrants and sending aid to Ukraine.
“FEMA had adequate funding, but this administration chose to put America last and spend billions on illegal immigrants and lining [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy’s [sic] pockets,” Williams wrote on X on October 4.
In another post that day, he wrote that “instead of funding emergency preparedness for American citizens, Biden-Harris spent over $1 billion from FEMA on migrant services and just sent another $2.7 billion to Ukraine. This is America last.”
Representative Rudy Yakym of Indiana
Yakym criticized Biden and Harris’ response in the immediate aftermath of Helene.
“While a deadly storm was battering down on our fellow Americans, Biden was at the beach, and Kamala Harris was fundraising in San Francisco,” he wrote on X on October 4. “As a result, now people who are hurting aren’t getting the help they need. Absolutely disgraceful ‘leadership.'”
He also criticized the administration for sending aid to Lebanon, writing on X on Saturday: “You’ll be disappointed—although not surprised—to learn the Harris administration isn’t referring to Lebanon, Tennessee.”