Additional Coverage:
- Mayorkas says FEMA has no more disaster funds, but IG report says agency is sitting on billions (foxbusiness.com)
FEMA Funds Controversy
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has claimed FEMA lacks funds for hurricane relief. However, an Inspector General report reveals that FEMA has over $8.3 billion in unspent funds.
The report shows FEMA has extended grant deadlines up to 16 years, freezing funds from disasters as far back as 2012. This has raised concerns about potential fraud and waste.
Analysts say FEMA cannot tap these unused funds, leaving people in disaster-stricken areas without assistance. Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, is threatening Florida, which is still recovering from Hurricane Helene.
Budget experts criticize FEMA for acting like a “slush fund” that the Biden administration can use at will. Congressional Republicans are also questioning the government’s handling of disaster relief, citing FEMA’s $1.1 billion expenditure on illegal alien shelters.
The controversy has raised doubts about whether the Biden administration is prioritizing border issues over disaster preparedness, leaving vulnerable communities at risk.