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Monday, January 13, 2025

Senators seek answers on alleged political bias in FEMA disaster relief

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Sen. Thom Tillis | Sen. Thom Tillis Official Website

Sen. Thom Tillis | Sen. Thom Tillis Official Website

Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, both Republicans from North Carolina, have taken the lead in addressing concerns regarding reports that a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employee instructed disaster assistance teams to avoid homes displaying support for President-Elect Donald Trump. The allegations arose during recovery efforts following Hurricane Milton in Florida. The implicated employee claimed these instructions were issued by FEMA supervisors, raising concerns about possible political bias in disaster relief operations.

The senators emphasized FEMA's mission of assisting people affected by disasters, stating, "For a FEMA employee to withhold aid or support from a household due to political affiliation is unacceptable and frankly reprehensible." They acknowledged the hard work of many public servants but criticized FEMA for failing its core mission if such politicization occurred.

The letter also highlighted claims that similar incidents happened in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. "The idea that citizens... may be purposely excluded from vitally needed aid is chilling," the senators wrote. They demanded accountability and transparency from FEMA to restore trust among constituents.

In addition to Senators Tillis and Budd, 17 other Senate colleagues signed the letter addressed to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. These include Senators Mike Braun (R-IN), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Susan Collins (R-ME), John Cornyn (R-TX), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Tim Scott (R-SC).

The full text of the letter is available online.

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