Did not expect that’: GOP Rep Luna speaks out after meeting with Biden on hurricane response
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, recently spoke with Fox News Digital about her meeting with President Biden regarding disaster recovery efforts in her area after Hurricane Milton. The first-term Republican from Florida expressed surprise at the call from the President, stating she did not expect it. During their 10-minute conversation, Biden asked Luna what she needed for her constituents and how she fared with the storm. They also discussed issues related to FEMA, with Luna noting that Biden described the $750 upfront payment to disaster survivors as “a bunch of malarkey,” agreeing that it was inadequate.
Luna met with Biden in person over the weekend when he surveyed storm damage in Florida. Their extensive discussion covered various disaster aid reforms. Despite her past criticism of the Biden administration, Luna praised Biden’s actions in assisting with the hurricane response, acknowledging that FEMA has been helpful and will assist due to Biden’s instructions.
This meeting is part of a broader effort by both parties to work together during natural disasters. However, not all Republican leaders have been as cooperative. For example, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis skipped a meeting with Biden on Sunday, the second time in as many weeks he did not meet with the President while touring storm damage in Florida. Despite this, Biden has emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation to assist in recovery efforts, welcoming Republican lawmakers like Rep. Anna Paulina Luna and Sen. Rick Scott to his briefings.
