“`html
House Speaker Mike Johnson responded to allegations that the Biden administration has redirected Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) resources towards immigration initiatives, clarifying that the funding sources are ”distinct.” He acknowledged the frustration felt by many Americans regarding this issue.
“The funding streams are indeed separate, and that’s an accurate statement,” Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, stated during an interview with Shannon Bream on ”Fox News Sunday.” “However, what concerns the American public is that FEMA’s role should be focused on disaster relief efforts. The agency’s mission is to assist individuals during natural disasters—not to utilize any funds for resettling undocumented immigrants who have crossed our borders. This is precisely what the Biden administration, along with Kamala Harris and Secretary Mayorkas, has been involved in.”
Last week, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre refuted claims that FEMA resources were allocated for migrants but referenced FEMA funds designated for migrants in 2022.
“Former President Trump has accused the Biden administration of misusing FEMA funds to aid undocumented migrants. How does the White House respond?” a reporter queried at a press briefing last Friday.
FEMA HAS ADEQUATE FUNDS FOR ‘IMMEDIATE RESPONSE AND RECOVERY,’ DESPITE MAYORKAS’ CONCERNS
“That assertion is completely false; it simply isn’t true,” Jean-Pierre replied emphatically.
Critics have drawn parallels between her recent comments and statements made in 2022 when she indicated that FEMA resources were accessible to illegal immigrants.
“FEMA Regional Administrators have been collaborating with city officials on-site to coordinate available federal assistance from FEMA and other agencies,” Jean-Pierre remarked during a press conference on September 16, 2022.
“Additionally, funding through FEMA’s Emergency Food and Shelter program can be requested by eligible local governments and non-profit organizations to support humanitarian efforts for migrants,” she added.
While FEMA maintains specific funds earmarked for natural disasters, Congress directed FEMA in 2022 to allocate resources from Customs and Border Protection aimed at aiding American communities impacted by immigration challenges.
The official website of FEMA currently features a page titled “Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response,” which addresses misinformation regarding recovery operations—including denials of claims suggesting that disaster response funds were diverted towards immigration-related issues.
“This claim is incorrect; no money has been redirected away from disaster response needs,” stated FEMA’s announcement regarding these allegations. “Funding for disaster response efforts comes exclusively from the Disaster Relief Fund—a dedicated resource specifically meant for such emergencies.”
Hurricane Helene resulted in over 220 fatalities due to severe flooding across various states including Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.
Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security drew significant attention last week when he suggested that there may not be sufficient funding within FEMA as hurricane season approaches its conclusion in November.
Lawmaker Outrage Over Concerns Regarding FEMAFunding
“We are addressing immediate needs with our current budget,” he noted Wednesday while expressing worries about upcoming hurricanes impacting already displaced citizens due to previous storms.” He added: “FEMA lacks adequate financial resources needed throughout this season.”
The Department of Homeland Security later clarified that they believe FEMAFunding remains sufficient at present levels.
“FEMA possesses all necessary resources required for immediate response operations,” spokesperson Jaclyn Rothenberg mentioned via X platform.
“As Administrator Deanne Criswell indicated earlier—she holds full authority under presidential budget guidelines—but we must remain vigilant since hurricane season isn’t over yet.” ... . . .
Source.
“`
