House Republicans are pressing Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for clarifications on how the Biden administration is distributing federal funds to illegal immigrants in comparison to disaster relief.
Last week, the House Homeland Security Committee Republicans wrote a letter to Mayorkas, urging the head of DHS to clarify the administration’s funding priorities via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
They expressed their concerns over FEMA’s programs that are specifically targeted towards illegal immigrants. This comes as top officials in the Biden administration worry about FEMA potentially depleting its disaster relief funds due to its response efforts for recent hurricane damage in the Southeast.
The letter, led by Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN), expresses concern about FEMA’s financial situation for the hurricane season. It quotes your statement to media reporters that FEMA does not have sufficient funds.
This funding shortfall is troubling, especially considering the dire circumstances faced by Americans impacted by Hurricane Helene and potentially Hurricane Milton.
The letter also questions the allocation of funding requests for other FEMA activities by the Biden-Harris administration, suggesting that it may have been unwise and irresponsible.
President Joe Biden’s funding requests to replenish the Disaster Relief Fund in previous fiscal years have consistently been fulfilled or surpassed, according to a letter. This highlights the commitment of lawmakers to address the needs of disaster-stricken communities.
According to the letter, Congress allocated approximately $61.2 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) through annual and supplemental appropriations bills.
Additionally, lawmakers highlighted the approval of $20 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the most recent stopgap spending bill passed by Congress in September.
Mayorkas has cautioned that while the funding will address immediate requirements, it may prove insufficient to endure throughout the entire hurricane season.
“We currently have pressing needs that require immediate attention. While we do have funds through a continuing resolution, this is not a reliable or sustainable source of supply,” stated Mayorkas earlier this month. “It is important to note that the recovery process will be extensive, spanning multiple years and requiring a significant investment of funds, estimated in the billions.”
Lawmakers express concern over the lack of communication from DHS and FEMA regarding their request for additional disaster relief funds.
They are troubled by the fact that Congress may not have been properly informed about the need for these funds, despite separate requests being made to fund FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program. This program provides grants to nonfederal entities for shelter and services provided to migrants.
Lawmakers have written that analysts estimate that Hurricane Helene caused up to $47.5 billion in damages across 16 states in the United States. They acknowledge that the recovery for these affected communities will be a long and arduous process, possibly taking years or even decades.
While recognizing that there is no mixing of funds between the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SSP), the lawmakers emphasize that the Department’s allocation of limited resources should prioritize serving the American people, as these resources are provided by taxpayers.
Green announced that the committee will launch an investigation into the DHS’s response to natural disasters. The committee is requesting access to internal documents that provide information on funding requests for the disaster relief fund and the immigrant shelter program.
This request encompasses all documents and communications between FEMA, the DHS, employees of the Executive Office of the President, and any contractors involved.
Lawmakers are seeking a response to the request by 5 p.m. on Oct. 25. It remains uncertain whether Mayorkas or the DHS will comply with the request, and the Washington Examiner has reached out to the department for comment.