Critics have slammed FEMA and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for prioritizing funds for migrants over Hurricane Helene victims. Mayorkas admitted that FEMA is operating with limited funds and may not have enough resources to cover the upcoming hurricanes of the Atlantic hurricane season. This has raised concerns about the agency’s ability to respond to natural disasters.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and billionaire Elon Musk were among the prominent figures who criticized FEMA for allocating $640.9 million to assist state and local governments dealing with the migrant crisis instead of using it for disaster relief efforts. Abbott demanded that FEMA redirect these funds to help American citizens affected by hurricanes. Other conservative lawmakers, like Rep. Jim Jordan, accused the Biden administration of neglecting hurricane victims in favor of migrants.
In response to the backlash, the Department of Homeland Security clarified that the funds allocated for migrant assistance were separate from FEMA’s disaster relief budget and could not be legally redirected. Despite these clarifications, Republicans continued to express outrage, calling FEMA’s priorities “treasonous” and accusing the administration of putting “America last.”
President Joe Biden acknowledged the financial challenges posed by Hurricane Helene and the need for additional resources to support affected communities. While $20 billion has been secured for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund as part of a bipartisan deal, concerns remain about the long-term availability of funds, especially with Congress out of session until mid-November.
As the hurricane season progresses, the debate over FEMA’s resource allocation is likely to intensify, with questions about the agency’s ability to effectively respond to future disasters. The ongoing criticisms highlight the challenges faced by FEMA in balancing its responsibilities towards both natural disaster relief and migrant assistance. The need for adequate funding and efficient resource management remains a critical issue as the agency navigates the remainder of the Atlantic hurricane season.