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Following Hurricane Helen’s devastation in the southeastern United States, the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says it is “absolutely false” that the agency is shortchanged because disaster relief funds were spent on illegal immigrants. said.
FEMA Administrator DeAnne Criswell was interviewed on ABC’s George Stephanopoulos on “This Week.”
“Let’s talk about some of the misinformation that’s out there, like former President Trump’s claim that FEMA is about $1 billion short because money is going to illegal immigrants,” Stephanopoulos said. said.
“You know, that’s frankly ridiculous and completely false,” Criswell said. “This kind of rhetoric doesn’t help people. You know, it’s really unfortunate that we’re putting politics before helping people, and that’s why we’re here. I We have received full support from the state.”
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FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell (Al Drago) speaks during a press conference at the White House on September 26, 2024.
He also wants FEMA to help local officials push back on the “dangerous” rhetoric that is creating fear among people whose lives were devastated by Helen in western North Carolina, Georgia and elsewhere. said.
“You know, people need resources and we need them to participate in the system. We have thousands of people on the ground who have left their families behind, and people are leaving their homes. It’s really a shame to sit on your comfy couch and be able to help people in need,” Criswell said.
Stephanopoulos then asked Criswell about the misinformation being spread online and spreading the virus, with one social media user suggesting that militia groups should take on FEMA.
“Being able to go out has a huge impact on the comfort level of our own employees. But it also means that all the first responders who have been out in the community helping people, FEMA staff, volunteers, civilians. “It’s also a demoralizing force for the department, which is working with local authorities to help people,” she said. “We need to make sure resources get to where they are needed, and when you have this dangerous rhetoric like the one you are hearing, it creates fear in employees. We need to make it available to those who need it.”
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Brian McCormack pauses after using a wheelbarrow to clear away debris left in the aftermath of Hurricane Helen in Marshall, North Carolina, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Fox News Digital reached out to FEMA to ask for clarification on what misinformation is being spread, and a spokesperson said disaster relief funds and immigration come from “two different sources of money.” Ta.
The spokesperson explained that disaster funds in the Disaster Relief Fund come from Congress, adding that they are not used for anything other than disaster relief efforts.
Criswell said he was talking about misinformation and how much that misinformation is hurting operations. The spokesperson explained that those in need believe the rumors.
Despite Mayorkas’ warning, FEMA has the funds needed for ‘immediate response and recovery’
Drone footage shows damage from Hurricane Helen in Asheville, North Carolina, September 29, 2024. (Reuters/Marco Bello)
FEMA said that despite previous statements, FEMA is not short on funds for disaster relief.
In addition to funding, the Biden administration is also pouring resources into hard-hit areas.
President Biden on Sunday ordered an additional 500 active-duty military personnel to support efforts on the ground. Currently, 1,500 troops are being mobilized to support the National Guard and federal personnel.
The Department of Homeland Security announced Thursday that FEMA has the funds needed for “immediate response and recovery,” despite Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’ warning of a potential funding shortfall.
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Employees Linda Bundy, left, and Carissa Sheehan clean up the International Molding Frame factory damaged by flooding from Hurricane Helen in Morganton, North Carolina, September 30, 2024 (AP Photo) / Kathy Kumonichek)
“FEMA has what it takes for immediate response and recovery efforts,” Press Secretary Jaclyn Rothenberg told X. “As[Secretary Deanne Criswell]said, she has full authority to spend the president’s budget, but we’re not out of the hurricane. We’re still in the season, so we’ll have to keep a close eye on it.”
The agency recently ended emergency needs funding, which allows it to focus on urgent efforts and pause non-emergency projects, but Rothenberg said the agency may still need to return to that policy. “We will be monitoring the situation carefully,” he said.
Mayorkas made headlines Wednesday when he said FEMA doesn’t have enough money to get through the hurricane season, which runs into November.
“We are meeting immediate needs with the funds we have, and we are expecting another hurricane to hit,” he said. “FEMA doesn’t have the money to get us through the season.”
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On September 28, 2024, after heavy rains from Hurricane Helen, the Rocky Broad River flows into Lake Lure, flooding the town with debris from Chimney Rock, North Carolina. About 6 feet of debris has piled up on the bridge leading from Lake Lure to Chimney Rock, blocking the path. access. (Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
Congress recently provided $20 billion in immediate funding to FEMA’s disaster relief fund as part of a bipartisan agreement to avert a government shutdown late last month. However, parliament is currently in session from after voting day (November 5) until mid-November.
Mr. Mayorkas’ comments about a potential funding shortfall drew criticism from Republicans and conservatives, who criticized FEMA for using the money to subsidize the housing and care of undocumented immigrants who crossed the southern border. pointed out.
Critics pointed to the Shelter and Services Program, which spent $650 million in fiscal year 2023 on grants to nonprofits and local organizations that help immigrants. But the Biden administration pushed back, pointing out that the money was appropriated by Congress and is completely separate from disaster relief funding.
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The White House insisted that claims that funds were spent on services for illegal immigrants are “false.”
Fox News Digital’s Adam Shaw and Elizabeth Elkind and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
