Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Director Deanne Criswell on Monday contradicted Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’ assertion that there would be a shortage of funds to deal with disaster relief during hurricane “season.” It seems so.
of discussion The Bret Baier Special Report, which highlighted discrepancies in federal disaster funding, raised concerns about whether FEMA is prepared to handle emergencies for the rest of the year. mayorcas He previously said FEMA “doesn’t have the money to get us through the season,” and further explained that despite having a $30.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2024, additional funding will be needed.
“So we have sufficient funding to ensure that we get through this hurricane response and the continued response to Hurricane Helen. Our budget currently covers CR and President’s fiscal year 25. We have full spending authority in our annual budget and will continue to meet the needs of individuals affected by these storms,” Criswell told Bret Baier.
Despite this reassurance, Criswell acknowledged the potential budget burden.
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“However, we do not have enough funds to continue through the remainder of the year, and we have decided at the beginning of the year to ensure that we can carry out what we have been doing through Helen and our preparations for Milton. We have raised urgently needed funds,” Criswell added. “What we need to do in December and into January is we may need to re-secure urgently needed funding so that we always have enough funding to support life-saving operations. That’s what it means.
Looking back at FEMA’s operational schedule and response to Hurricane Helen, Baier asked if the process could have been managed differently. Drawing on his experience as a local emergency manager, the FEMA administrator emphasized the importance of starting disaster response at the local level. (Related: ‘It’s a shame’: Hurricane survivor attacks Biden, administrators feel betrayed, prioritize immigrants over Americans)
“I know what their needs are, and part of me on the ground is listening to them, understanding what their concerns are, and providing those resources. It’s about being mobile,” Criswell explained. “We declared a state of emergency before landing.”
Mayorkas previously said the agency is facing a funding shortfall for disaster relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Helen, having spent more than $1 billion on migrant aid over the past two years. Mayorkas said FEMA’s financial reserves are insufficient to cover the ongoing hurricane season.
“We’re expecting another hurricane. We don’t have the money, FEMA doesn’t have the money to get us through the season. So we don’t have the money to get us through the season,” Mayorkas said Wednesday. .
FEMA and DHS did not respond to Daily Caller News Foundation requests for comment.
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