[Full List] Republicans Blocked FEMA Aid Before Hurricane Helene Hits—Now 175 Dead in Their Home States

As Hurricane Helene barreled toward the southeastern United States, threatening widespread destruction, a number of Republican lawmakers from states directly in the storm's path voted against additional disaster relief funds. Their decision to oppose the emergency funding provision-an extension that passed Congress to bolster the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-has drawn sharp criticism in light of the storm's aftermath, which has left a devastating toll across several states.

The funding proposal, which was part of a larger government funding extension, aimed to provide necessary financial support for FEMA to handle disaster recovery efforts. Despite the looming threat of Hurricane Helene, 82 Republican lawmakers voted against the measure, a significant portion of whom represent states now grappling with the storm's catastrophic impact.

Republicans Opposing Disaster Relief

Lawmakers from hurricane-hit states, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, were among those who voted against the supplemental FEMA relief. These states bore the brunt of Hurricane Helene's fury, with many areas left in dire need of federal aid to rebuild. Notably, none of the Democratic lawmakers opposed the funding measure.

Florida's representatives who voted against the funding included Reps. Matt Gaetz, Anna Paulina Luna, and Michael Waltz, all of whom represent districts severely affected by Helene's devastation. Georgia's Marjorie Taylor Greene and North Carolina's Dan Bishop also cast "no" votes, despite their states suffering significant damages from the hurricane.

This opposition to disaster funding, especially from lawmakers representing states directly affected, has led to widespread frustration among constituents and other public officials. As the storm approached, these same lawmakers were visible on social media advising their followers to heed safety warnings and directing them to FEMA for assistance, despite their own votes to limit its funding.

Hurricane Helene's Toll

Hurricane Helene made landfall as a powerful Category 4 storm, with wind speeds exceeding 130 mph. The storm wreaked havoc across the southeastern U.S., particularly Florida and the Carolinas, where flooding, power outages, and widespread property damage were reported. The aftermath has left more than 175 people dead, with hundreds more missing, according to CBS News.

In North Carolina alone, record-breaking rainfall and flooding were reported, with some regions experiencing the worst deluge since the "Great Flood" of 1916. Emergency services are overwhelmed as search-and-rescue operations continue, and the federal government has issued disaster declarations in several affected states.

President Joe Biden has been actively involved in coordinating the federal response, visiting the worst-hit areas in North Carolina and promising the swift delivery of federal aid. Vice President Kamala Harris also visited Georgia to assess the damage and reassure residents that recovery efforts were underway.

Political Ramifications and Backlash

The votes of these Republican lawmakers have sparked political controversy, with critics accusing them of jeopardizing their constituents' safety by opposing critical disaster funding. "It's irresponsible to vote against the very resources your state needs when lives are on the line," said one Democratic lawmaker.

The political ramifications of these votes are likely to be felt as the country heads into the 2024 election season, particularly in swing states like Georgia and North Carolina. Both states were severely impacted by the storm, and public attention has turned toward the handling of the disaster and the resources provided to the affected communities.

MAGA Republicans and the Government Shutdown Vote

In addition to voting against FEMA's supplemental funding, many of the same Republican lawmakers were part of a group that voted to shut down the federal government during hurricane season. This move, which was narrowly avoided, could have hindered FEMA's ability to respond effectively to Hurricane Helene.

Democratic Rep. Jennifer Weston highlighted the potential dangers of a government shutdown during a natural disaster, pointing out that while FEMA's emergency response would continue, long-term recovery projects would be delayed due to funding cuts. Such delays could have a severe impact on regions affected by storms like Helene.

The death toll has been updated.