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T&I Committee Leaders Launch Investigation into FEMA’s Recent Hurricane Preparedness and Response Efforts Amid Troubling Reports

Washington, D.C., October 11, 2024 | Justin Harclerode (202) 225-9446
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Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee Chairman Scott Perry (R-PA) launched an investigation into the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) preparation, response strategies, and capacity to provide sufficiently prompt relief to victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

The Chairmen today wrote to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, noting that FEMA “is charged with leading the Nation’s efforts to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against the risk of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters. The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is aware of troubling media reports of how FEMA, under your leadership, has failed to rise to the challenge and adequately respond to Hurricane Helene. Therefore, the Committee seeks to understand FEMA’s preparation and strategies for response, as well as its capacity to provide relief for disaster victims.”

Graves and Perry requested detailed responses from FEMA in light of concerns about agency’s processes, priorities, actions, and resources that have surfaced in recent weeks, including:

  • North Carolina disaster victims’ concerns about the pace of FEMA’s response and ability to provide them with necessary assistance;
  • The agency’s focus on messaging, without addressing the effectiveness and sufficiency of FEMA’s Serious Needs Assistance program, for which disaster victims can apply for up to $750 to pay for essential supplies such as food, water, baby formula, and medications;
  • The apparent involvement of National Security Council (NSC) officials in response efforts, despite the NSC’s lack of any statutory authority with respect to federal disaster management;
  • Renewed concerns about whether the diversion of FEMA personnel and resources in dealing with the Southern Border crisis has diminished the agency’s ability to effectively respond to its disaster management mission;
  • Additional concerns about the deployment of FEMA’s resources.

    The Chairmen requested that FEMA respond by October 25, 2024.

    Read the full letter to the FEMA Administrator here.

     

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