Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has made a bold call for leadership change in FEMA.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Greene has demanded the resignation of FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell amid mounting criticism regarding the disaster response and allegations about misuse of disaster relief funds, as Newsweek reports.
Hurricane Helene delivered a powerful blow to the southeastern United States, particularly impacting Florida where it made landfall on Sept. 26 as a Category 4 storm. The hurricane, with its path of destruction, has resulted in at least 200 fatalities spread across six states. Criticism has been directed at FEMA for what many, including Greene, see as an insufficient disaster response to such a catastrophic event.
Further complicating the situation are assertions statements that disaster relief funds have been rerouted to accommodate migrant needs. These claims have been vocally amplified by former President Donald Trump and his circle, though denials from FEMA continue. The agency maintains that its Disaster Relief Fund is strictly for disaster-related activities, denying accusations of misuse.
Criswell, the head of FEMA, has found herself at the center of this controversy as she prepares to appear before the Oversight Committee. Greene has voiced her dissatisfaction, claiming that FEMA's actions are detrimental not just to those affected by Hurricane Helene but also to the agency's overall credibility.
Greene's public statements have intensified the criticism, with her accusing Criswell of failing the storm's victims. She claims that the administrator has permitted the allocation of disaster funds to non-related purposes, further worsening the situation for those in western North Carolina and other impacted areas.
Parallel to the aforementioned administrative challenges, FEMA is grappling with financial constraints that could impair its long-term disaster response capabilities. The agency received a financial boost in the form of a $20 billion contribution from a stopgap spending bill, aimed at replenishing FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund. However, no additional funds for supplemental disaster recovery were included.
Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of Homeland Security, has acknowledged the agency's ability to address immediate needs, though he warns of insufficient resources to cover an entire hurricane season. President Joe Biden has echoed these concerns in communications with congressional leaders, emphasizing the urgent need for additional funding.
These financial pressures have been further aggravated by the implementation of spending restrictions imposed prior to Hurricane Helene, which could leave FEMA unable to cover expenses before year's end if further assistance isn't secured.
The political tenor around FEMA's response to Hurricane Helene became more pronounced following Biden's visit to the affected areas. During his tour, he urged Congress to approve more funds for ongoing recovery operations, arguing against the backdrop of a looming budget shortfall.
Biden's plea for cooperation was stark, warning of a financial deficit that FEMA could face if Congress fails to act decisively. The lack of additional funding in the recent bill accentuates the agency's precarious fiscal situation.
Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre implored Republicans to collaborate on additional funding measures. She framed this cooperation as crucial to truly assisting communities devastated by Hurricane Helene, challenging opposition claims.
In summary, the situation with FEMA, Hurricane Helene, and the resulting political fallout remains fluid and contentious. Greene's call for Criswell's resignation highlights the intense scrutiny FEMA faces, fueled by accusations of resource diversion and subsequent denials.
