The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is facing a financial crisis as Hurricane Helene wreaks havoc on the southeastern United States.
According to Daily Mail Online, the Biden-Harris administration faces intense scrutiny for depleting disaster relief funds while allocating billions to support migrants.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas admitted that FEMA lacks sufficient funds to manage the ongoing hurricane season effectively. This shortage occurs despite Congress recently approving an additional $20 billion for anticipated hurricane-related expenses.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has been operating a non-citizen-only Shelter and Service Program (SSP) since 2023. This initiative has received over $1 billion in funding to provide shelter and support for migrants encountered and released by the Department of Homeland Security.
The program's budget saw a significant increase, nearly doubling from $363.8 million in 2023 to $650 million in 2024. This substantial allocation of resources towards migrant support has sparked outrage among lawmakers and officials, particularly in light of the current natural disaster crisis.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed his frustration on social media, urging FEMA to redirect funds from illegal immigration resettlement to areas affected by Hurricane Helene.
Hurricane Helene has left a trail of destruction across Appalachia and the southern United States, claiming nearly 200 American lives. The storm's aftermath has resulted in approximately 150,000 citizens reaching out for federal assistance due to damaged homes.
Secretary Mayorkas acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating:
We are meeting the immediate needs with the money that we have. We are expecting another hurricane hitting.
Given its current financial constraints, this admission has further fueled concerns about FEMA's ability to respond adequately to future disasters.
The revelation of FEMA's financial shortfall has ignited a firestorm of criticism from various political figures. Many are questioning the administration's priorities in allocating funds between disaster relief and migrant support.
Republican lawmakers, including Representatives Eric Burlison and Ashley Hinson, have vocally condemned the apparent prioritization of migrant support over disaster relief for American citizens. Senator Marsha Blackburn accused the Biden-Harris administration of putting "America last" in their approach to resource allocation.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody criticized the federal department's handling of funds, stating:
They have taken the FEMA emergency food and shelter program and over time siphoned off hundreds of millions of dollars into basically making it an illegal immigrant resettlement program.
The Biden-Harris administration faces mounting pressure over FEMA's financial shortfall for hurricane relief. The agency's substantial spending on migrant support programs has drawn criticism, especially in light of Hurricane Helene's devastating impact. As FEMA struggles to meet the needs of disaster-stricken areas, questions persist about the administration's resource allocation priorities and its preparedness for future natural disasters.
