Hurricane Helene: Speaker Johnson Slams Biden Administration's Response, Warns Recovery Cost Could Be Astronomical

Republican Speaker Mike Johnson accuses the Biden administration of mishandling the deadly hurricane, predicting a recovery cost that could be among the nation's most expensive.

Hurricane Helene has left a trail of devastation across the Southeast, and criticism is mounting over the Biden administration's handling of the response effort. Republican Speaker Mike Johnson has emerged as a vocal critic, warning that the recovery cost could soar to unprecedented levels.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Johnson expressed alarm and disappointment over the Biden administration's initial response, which he characterized as a lack of leadership. Despite concerns raised by lawmakers prior to the storm, the administration has been criticized for failing to adequately prepare FEMA.

Hurricane Helene: Speaker Johnson Slams Biden Administration's Response, Warns Recovery Cost Could Be Astronomical

"There were some pretty ominous projections, and so Congress acted appropriately," Johnson said, noting the allocation of $20 billion in immediate funding for FEMA in a short-term funding bill. "But, so far, [President Biden, Vice President Harris and Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas] have failed in that response."

Johnson's criticism stems from comments by Biden officials suggesting FEMA was underfunded. Mayorkas stated that the agency was meeting immediate needs but lacked the funds to sustain operations throughout hurricane season. Biden also hinted at the possibility of requesting an emergency session of Congress to approve additional disaster aid.

Hurricane Helene: Speaker Johnson Slams Biden Administration's Response, Warns Recovery Cost Could Be Astronomical

Johnson dismissed these claims as an attempt to cover up errors and blamed the administration for lacking preparedness. He cited Mayorkas' previous assurances in July that FEMA was well-prepared for weather crises this year.

The speaker emphasized the need for accurate assessments from state and local authorities to determine the necessary funding, a process that will likely take at least 30 days. He vowed that Congress would act swiftly once those estimates are available, but expressed concern that the delay could hinder recovery efforts.

Hurricane Helene: Speaker Johnson Slams Biden Administration's Response, Warns Recovery Cost Could Be Astronomical

The Republican leader, who has witnessed firsthand the impact of hurricanes on his home state of Louisiana, painted a grim picture of the potential recovery cost. He predicted that Helene could become one of the nation's most expensive storms ever, affecting six states and leaving widespread devastation.

"It affects at least six states — a broad swath of destruction across many, many areas — and I think that's why it's going to take a while to assess," Johnson said. "As soon as those numbers are ready, Congress will be prepared to act."

Hurricane Helene: Speaker Johnson Slams Biden Administration's Response, Warns Recovery Cost Could Be Astronomical

Johnson's criticism extends beyond FEMA's response, accusing the Biden administration of diverting disaster aid towards supporting illegal immigrants through the Shelter and Services Program (SSP). Conservatives have expressed concerns that funding intended for disaster relief is being diverted to SSP, administered by FEMA.

Both the White House and DHS have denied any connection between disaster aid and SSP, asserting that separate funding from Congress supports migrant housing services. Johnson, however, expressed skepticism over the administration's handling of DHS and the management of its resources.

"There is a lot of controversy about the nonsense that the Mayorkas Department of Homeland Security has engaged in," Johnson said. "We have been working every day, House Republicans, to stop the madness."

Despite the partisan divide over the response to Hurricane Helene, Johnson emphasized the importance of providing assistance to affected communities. He has toured areas devastated by the storm and plans to visit North Carolina, one of the hardest-hit states.

As the recovery effort continues, the spotlight remains on the Biden administration's response and the allocation of resources to mitigate the long-term effects of Hurricane Helene. The criticism from Johnson and other lawmakers is likely to intensify as the full extent of the damage and the recovery cost become clearer.