Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., has expressed surprise at President Biden's handling of Hurricane Milton and other recent storms in the Southeast, describing his actions as "kind of shocking."
Despite her previous criticism of the Biden administration, Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna has praised President Biden's response to Hurricane Milton and other recent storms that battered the Southeast.
Luna, whose district was hit hard by Milton, told Fox News Digital that she had not expected to receive a call from Biden late last week. When she answered, it was the president's voice on the line.
Rep. Luna Praises Biden's Hurricane Relief Efforts, Despite Past Criticism
"He asked me what my constituents needed and how I fared with the storm," Luna said. "It was very honestly kind of shocking for me."
Luna said she also met with Biden when he surveyed storm damage in Florida over the weekend. The pair discussed disaster aid reforms, debris removal, and the National Flood Insurance Program.
Rep. Luna Praises Biden's Hurricane Relief Efforts, Despite Past Criticism
Luna said Biden agreed with her that FEMA's $750 upfront payment to disaster survivors was inadequate.
"He said it was a 'bunch of malarkey,' which is 100% true, and that $750 was not enough," Luna said.
Rep. Luna Praises Biden's Hurricane Relief Efforts, Despite Past Criticism
Luna's praise of Biden is a stark contrast from her previous criticism of the administration, including her efforts to hold members of his Cabinet in inherent contempt of Congress.
However, Luna said she was impressed by Biden's willingness to meet with her and discuss what could be done to help those affected by the storms.
Rep. Luna Praises Biden's Hurricane Relief Efforts, Despite Past Criticism
"I have obviously been very critical of President Biden in the past, but I will say that him stepping in and taking control of the situation to assist for the right reasons was very honestly kind of shocking for me," Luna said.
Luna is among a bipartisan chorus of lawmakers calling for Congress to return for an early emergency session to deal with disaster relief, something Biden has also voiced.
However, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has signaled on multiple occasions that he's unlikely to convene the House before their scheduled return the week after Election Day.
Johnson argued that the $20 billion that Congress freed up for FEMA last month would be enough to meet immediate needs, and that lawmakers could do little until a formal damage assessment and cost estimate was provided.
Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., whose district was among the hardest hit by Helene, echoed Johnson in an interview Friday.
"I believe that what we're seeing right now with the calls to come back into session to pass funds is more of a distraction from the administration for their inept reaction to getting folks here to help western North Carolina," Edwards said.
