FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell Grilled by Republicans Over Disaster Response and Alleged Political Bias

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell faced intense scrutiny on Capitol Hill as she testified before the Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The hearing, held on November 19, 2024, focused on FEMA’s response to recent disasters and crises, including allegations of political bias in the agency’s relief efforts.

Republicans on the committee expressed strong concerns over reports that FEMA workers had avoided homes displaying campaign signs for President-elect Donald Trump. Administrator Criswell acknowledged these allegations and stated that the employee responsible for directing workers to avoid such homes had been terminated. However, the terminated employee claimed she was following instructions from her supervisors, prompting calls for an independent investigation by the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General.

Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and Subcommittee Chairman Scott Perry (R-PA) were among those who questioned Criswell about the agency’s priorities and the handling of disaster relief. They criticized the agency for what they perceived as a focus on equity, climate change, and migrant assistance over the needs of disaster victims. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) emphasized that FEMA should operate as a nonpartisan agency and respect Americans’ First Amendment rights.

Criswell defended FEMA’s efforts, highlighting the agency’s presence on the ground before the hurricanes hit and the work of over 22,000 workers across six states. She also addressed the challenges posed by misinformation on social media and the need for adequate resources to support ongoing relief efforts. Despite the criticisms, Criswell assured lawmakers that FEMA’s mission is to assist all survivors regardless of their political affiliations.

Additional concerns raised during the hearing included the slow response times in rural areas, the disparity in funding between disaster victims and migrants, and the delays in completing projects in Mississippi 20 years after Hurricane Katrina. Representatives such as Garret Graves (R-LA) and Marc Molinaro (R-NY) questioned the equity and efficiency of FEMA’s aid distribution processes.

The hearing was part of a broader oversight effort to evaluate FEMA’s response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and it came on the heels of President Joe Biden‘s request for nearly $100 billion in emergency disaster aid, with a significant portion earmarked for FEMA programs).