Here’s what she had to say…
In a surprising turn of events, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a member of the House Freedom Caucus from Florida, found herself engaged in discussions with President Biden amidst the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. This unexpected dialogue illustrates how national crises can bring together unlikely allies, even in today’s polarized political climate.
Luna recounted her surprise when she received a call from the President late last week. Their conversation lasted about ten minutes, during which Biden inquired about the needs of her constituents and how they were coping with the storm’s impact. The discussion quickly shifted to the critical issues surrounding FEMA’s response to the disaster. Luna emphasized that the $750 upfront payment offered to disaster survivors was woefully inadequate, a sentiment Biden echoed, referring to it as “a bunch of malarkey.”
As a first-term Republican, Luna’s district has faced significant challenges due to the hurricane, and she appreciated Biden’s proactive approach during his visit to survey the damage. Despite her previous criticisms of the Biden administration, she acknowledged that his direct involvement in disaster relief was unexpected but necessary. “We will continue to hold FEMA accountable, but I have to say, they have been responsive, and President Biden is pushing for that assistance,” she noted.
During their discussions, Luna stressed the importance of improving FEMA’s efficiency in clearing debris, highlighting the need for better support for local municipalities struggling to manage the aftermath of such storms. Additionally, she called for reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program, which has not been updated since the 1960s.
Luna is not alone in her call for immediate action; a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Republican governors from South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, have also voiced their support for Congress to reconvene to address disaster relief funding. However, Speaker Mike Johnson has signaled reluctance to call an early session, arguing that the funds already allocated by Congress should suffice until a full damage assessment is completed.
As Republicans like Luna navigate the complexities of disaster recovery and federal assistance, the focus remains on ensuring that communities receive the support they need while holding the administration accountable for its responses. This moment serves as a reminder that in times of crisis, the needs of the American people can sometimes transcend political divides.