In view of the devastation caused by Hurricane Helen in Southeastern America, Chief Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said it was a “blatant lie” that the agency lacked disaster relief funds because the money was spent on illegal immigrants.
FEMA Administrator Dean Criswell was interviewed by ABC’s George Stephanopoulos on “This Week”.
“Let’s talk about some of the misinformation out there, including former President Trump’s claims that FEMA has a nearly $1 billion deficit because the money is going to undocumented immigrants,” Stephanopoulos said. “
“You know, this is obviously ridiculous and absolutely false,” Criswell said. “This kind of rhetoric is not helpful to the people. You know, it’s really a shame that we are doing politics before helping the people, and that’s what we are here to do. We have the full support of the state.” Is received.”
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FEMA Administrator Dean Criswell speaks during a news conference at the White House on September 26, 2024. (El Drago)
He continued by saying that FEMA has helped local officials reverse the “dangerous” narrative that has created fear among people whose lives were devastated by the damage caused by Helen. western north carolina And Georgia.
“You know, people need resources, and we need them to get into the system, and it’s a shame that people are sitting at home on their cozy couches, while we have thousands of people who have left their families behind.” Have been able to help those in need,” Criswell said.
Stephanopoulos then asked Criswell about misinformation spreading online and going viral, with one social media user suggesting that a militia should go against FEMA.
“It has a tremendous impact on the comfort level of our own staff to be able to go out there. But it’s also discouraging for all the first responders who are out there helping people in their communities, FEMA workers, volunteers, private individuals.” There are areas that are going out and working shoulder to shoulder with the local authorities to help the people,” she said. “I need to make sure I can get resources to where they’re needed. And when you make this kind of dangerous rhetoric like you’re hearing, it instills fear in our own staff. We need to make sure we’re getting help to the people who need it.”
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Brian McCormack stops after using a wheelbarrow to clean up debris left after Hurricane Helene in Marshall, N.C., on October 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Fox News Digital contacted FEMA to get clarification on what misinformation was being spread, and a spokesperson said disaster relief funds and immigration come from “two different pots of money.”
The spokesperson explained that disaster money for the Disaster Relief Fund comes from Congress, and said that none of the money is used for anything other than disaster relief operations.
Criswell was talking about misinformation and how much harm that misinformation does to operations, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said that those who need help should not believe the rumours.
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A drone view shows damage caused by Hurricane Helene in Asheville, N.C., on September 29, 2024. (Reuters/Marco Bello)
FEMA said the agency is not short on money disaster relief Despite what has been said.
Along with the funding, the Biden administration is also pouring resources into hard-hit areas.
On Sunday, President Biden ordered 500 additional active-duty troops to support efforts on the ground. There are now 1,500 troops deployed to assist the National Guard and federal personnel.
The Department of Homeland Security said Thursday that FEMA has the funds needed for “immediate response and recovery,” despite Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas warning about a potential funding shortfall.
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Workers Linda Bandy, left, and Carissa Sheehan clean up the International Molding Frame Shop damaged by flood waters from Hurricane Helene on September 30, 2024 in Morganton, N.C. (AP Photo/Kathy Komonicek)
“FEMA has everything it needs for immediate response and recovery efforts,” spokeswoman Jacqueline Rothenberg said. but said X. “As (Administrator Dean Criswell) said, he has every authority to spend against the president’s budget, but we’re not out of hurricane season yet, so we need to keep a close eye on this.”
The agency recently removed funding for immediate needs, allowing the agency to focus on immediate efforts and halting non-urgent projects, but Rothenberg said the agency still needs to get back to that. “And we’ll keep a close eye on it.”
Mayorkas made headlines on Wednesday when he said FEMA did not have enough money to deal with the hurricane season that lasts through November.
“We are meeting our immediate needs with the money we have. We are expecting another storm,” he said. “FEMA doesn’t have the funds to cover this season.”
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The Rocky Broad River flows into Lake Lure and floods the town of Chimney Rock, NC, following heavy rains from Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024. About six feet of debris has accumulated on the bridge from Lake Lure to Chimney Rock, blocking the route. access. (Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
Congress recently provided $20 billion in immediate funding for FEMA’s disaster relief fund as part of a bipartisan agreement to avoid a government shutdown late last month. But Congress is currently out till mid-November after the election day (November 5).
Mayorkas’ comments about a potential lack of funding drew criticism from Republicans and conservatives, who pointed to funding used by FEMA for grants to house and care for illegal immigrants crossing the southern border.
Critics referenced the Asylum and Services Program, which spent $650 million in fiscal year 2023 on grants to nonprofits and local organizations to assist migrants. But the Biden administration pushed back, noting that the funding is appropriated by Congress and is completely separate from disaster relief funding.
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The White House described as “false” the claim that the money was spent on services for illegal immigrants.
Fox News Digital’s Adam Shaw and Elizabeth Elkind, as well as The Associated Press, contributed to this report.
