Criticism Mounts Over FEMA’s Response to Hurricane Helene

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has called for the resignation of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell amid growing criticism over the agency’s response to Hurricane Helene. The handling of the crisis has become a significant political issue as the election cycle approaches its final weeks.

Hurricane Helene, which struck Florida as a Category 4 storm on September 26, has become one of the deadliest in U.S. history, claiming at least 200 lives across six states. The storm’s aftermath has elicited severe criticism from officials and residents in affected areas, who accuse FEMA of inadequate response.

In a series of posts on social media platform X, Greene, a Republican from Georgia, stated that Criswell would be summoned before the Oversight Committee, asserting that FEMA “is confiscating supplies, blocking help to Helene survivors, and using disaster relief funds to house illegals.” Greene’s office and FEMA were contacted for further comments.

FEMA has refuted these allegations on its website, emphasizing that disaster funds are not being diverted for international or border-related purposes. The agency maintains that aid is distributed impartially and false claims of turning away or confiscating supplies are baseless.

The controversy surrounding FEMA funding has escalated, as Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas indicated that while FEMA can meet immediate needs, it lacks the resources to endure the ongoing hurricane season. Former President Donald Trump has suggested that FEMA’s financial strains are due to expenditures on migrants, an assertion that FEMA disputes.

FEMA’s role includes managing the Shelter and Services Program, distributing approximately $640 million in the upcoming fiscal year to support migrant-related initiatives. However, this budget is distinct from the Disaster Relief Fund, which Congress recently replenished to the tune of $20 billion as part of a stopgap measure, although additional disaster funding was not approved.

The White House expressed disappointment in the lack of additional funding, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre urging Republicans to support increased disaster budget allocations. President Joe Biden has also communicated the need for more funding in a letter to congressional leaders, warning that without additional resources, long-term recovery efforts might be compromised.