CBS News
Rep. Mike Turner says there is a “chaos caucus” who want to block any Congressional action
Washington — Rep. Mike Turner, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee on Sunday derided a group of lawmakers that he says have continued to “stop everything” in Congress amid opposition toward additional aid to Ukraine and a possible effort to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson.
“Unfortunately, the chaos caucus has continued to want to stop everything that occurs in Congress,” the Ohio Republican said on “Face the Nation” on Sunday. “It’s not as if they have an alternative plan, they’re just against those things that are necessary that we’re doing.”
Turner said an aid package to Ukraine in its war against Russia is “necessary for national security,” noting that it has widespread support in Congress despite some opposition on the fringes. After a commitment by Johnson to bring forward supplemental funding for U.S. allies when lawmakers return from recess next week, Turner expressed confidence that an aid package can pass through both chambers and receive the president’s signature.
On the effort to oust Johnson, which has been pushed by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene due to frustrations with his handling of government funding, Turner said that House Democratic leadership has been clear that they will not join House conservatives looking to remove him from his post, likely saving his speakership should it reach that point.
CBS News
Greene, a Georgia Republican, filed a motion to vacate earlier this month, teasing a possible vote to oust Johnson. That effort could gain steam should Johnson bring up a vote on funding for Ukraine. But it remains unclear whether there’s enough political will among the House GOP conference more broadly to oust and replace another speaker.
The House Republican conference has had a turbulent year, with five departures in recent months that have shrunk the already-narrow GOP majority. Turner said that the pattern shows how “radical” fringes and individuals can cause disruptions in the conference.
“That’s what we have seen. That certainly makes it difficult for people who just want to get the job done,” Turner said. “In the area of national security, I think Speaker Johnson made it very clear that we have his support to get national security agenda items done and I think we will.”
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CBS News
$100 million in federal funds released for North Carolina to rebuild roads, bridges damaged by Helene
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Transportation released $100 million in emergency funds on Saturday for North Carolina to rebuild its roads and bridges damaged by Helene.
“We are providing this initial round of funding so there’s no delay getting roads repaired and reopened, and re-establishing critical routes,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement. “The Biden-Harris administration will be with North Carolina every step of the way, and today’s emergency funding to help get transportation networks back up and running safely will be followed by additional federal resources.”
The storm caused rampant flooding that has devastated several towns and killed more than 225 people – with CBS News confirming at least 114 people killed in North Carolina. There was more than 8 inches of rain across the western North Carolina mountains, with some areas seeing more than a foot.
Hundreds of roads across Western North Carolina remain closed, leading to an increase in air traffic as teams scour the region for survivors by air. Air traffic over Western North Carolina has increased by 300% due to relief efforts since the storm cleared, the Federal Aviation Administration and the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
Mudslides blocked Interstate 40 and other highways in North Carolina and about 400 roads were closed due to damage from Helene. Interstate 40 was damaged at several locations, the Department of Transportation said.
President Biden visited the Carolinas on Wednesday, surveying the flood damage by air from Greenville, South Carolina, to Asheville, North Carolina. Mr. Biden announced the federal government would cover “100%” of all debris removal and emergency protective measure costs in North Carolina for six months.
The Department of Transportation said these relief funds will allow the North Carolina Department of Transportation to act more quickly to fund eligible repairs to their damaged facilities.
Li Cohen and
contributed to this report.
CBS News
Tropical Storm Milton forms in Gulf; forecast to strengthen into hurricane headed toward Florida
Tropical Storm Milton has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane headed toward Florida with possible impacts to its western coast, the National Hurricane Center said on Saturday. Maximum sustained winds are expected to be at 40 mph with higher gusts and Milton is currently moving north-northeast, NHC said in an advisory.
Milton is forecast to undergo a period of rapid intensification before it makes landfall as a Category 2 hurricane across Florida’s west coast, CBS News Miami reported.
The forecast comes a little more than a week after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida and across the Southeast, killing more than 200 people and causing immense destruction. President Biden on Thursday took an aerial tour of Florida’s Big Bend where Helene struck as a Category 4 storm. Hundreds of people are still missing and Mr. Biden said the work to rebuild will cost “billions of dollars” as communities suffer still without power, running water and passable roads.
NOAA
Milton is forecast to move across the southwestern Gulf of Mexico through Sunday night then across the south-central Gulf on Monday and Tuesday before reaching Florida’s west coast by the middle of the week, NHC said. Heavy rain is possible in the region starting Sunday into Monday, CBS Miami reported, and more rain and heavy winds will most likely arrive on Wednesday. Hurricane and storm surge watches will most likely be required for portions of Florida starting Sunday, the National Hurricane Center said.
Along with the heavy rainfall, the hurricane center said to expect risks of flooding.
Residents in the area should ensure they have a hurricane plan in place, the National Hurricane Center said, follow the advice of local officials and check back for forecast updates.
