NC Republicans Seek Helene Aid Despite History of Opposing Relief
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In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, state Republicans are calling for increased federal aid, despite some previously voting against funding for FEMA and disaster relief bills. The hurricane resulted in at least 108 deaths, hundreds missing, and thousands without power, leading to calls for additional financial support. Meanwhile, politicians who have previously voted against federal disaster aid are now requesting it, eliciting criticism; two such politicians, Senator Ted Budd and Rep. Dan Bishop, voted against funding FEMA just a day before Hurricane Helene’s landfall.
North Carolina Republicans request more federal aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, despite previous votes against FEMA funding and disaster relief bills.
Hurricane Helene swept through western North Carolina a week ago, leaving a trail of destruction, claiming over 100 lives and leaving many homeless or without power. The storm is considered the most devastating in North Carolina’s recent history.
As the recovery process begins, officials emphasize the need for increased financial support. However, some politicians now advocating for federal relief have previously voted against federal disaster aid and FEMA funding.
North Carolina’s Republican Senator Ted Budd and Representative Dan Bishop, who both voted against FEMA funding last week, are now calling for federal aid. Other Republicans, currently requesting assistance, have previously voted against relief bills such as the one passed after Hurricane Sandy in 2013 and a $19.1 billion disaster relief package in 2019.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the Biden-Harris administration approved a disaster declaration, making aid available to affected areas. The administration has deployed over 5,600 personnel, including 1,500 from FEMA, and has provided over $45 million in upfront funding. Despite these efforts, some Republicans claim the administration hasn’t done enough.
Former President Donald Trump has exploited the hurricane response for political gain, accusing the current administration of mismanaging FEMA funds. He alleges that the Biden-Harris administration used the funds for housing undocumented immigrants. However, the funds allocated for asylum seekers account for approximately 2% of FEMA’s annual budget, and it was actually Trump’s administration that diverted FEMA funding in 2018.
Republican state assembly members face criticism
State lawmakers in North Carolina have faced renewed scrutiny over their decisions in the wake of Helene. Over the last 15 years, the Republican-controlled legislature has rejected policies aimed at reducing damage from natural disasters. These policies include a rule requiring homes to be elevated above flood height and limits on construction on steep slopes. The legislature also passed laws weakening wetland protection, which can help reduce flooding.
Engineer Kim Wooten, a member of the North Carolina Building Code Council, highlights the influence of the building industry on state lawmakers. She states that they have consistently opposed rules that would require homes to meet higher, albeit more expensive, construction standards.
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