Republicans on the House Homeland Security Committee are investigating the Department of Homeland Security's priorities for funding amid concerns over spending on illegal migrants and disaster relief. Lawmakers have raised questions about DHS' ability to respond adequately to natural disasters, particularly in light of ongoing hurricanes in North Carolina and Florida.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has highlighted the need for stable funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during the hurricane season. While immediate needs are currently being met, Mayorkas has emphasized the importance of a reliable funding source for long-term recovery efforts.
Conservatives have criticized FEMA grants for non-profits and local communities assisting illegal immigrants, pointing out that $650 million in funding has been allocated from Customs and Border Protection. However, DHS has clarified that this funding is separate from the Disaster Relief Fund and has not impacted disaster-related funding.
Republican lawmakers have expressed concerns about the allocation of funds, noting that Congress has already allocated significant amounts for disaster relief. They question the Department's request for additional funds for FEMA's Shelter and Services Program (SSP) while also requesting disaster relief funds.
The lawmakers are seeking transparency on funding allocations, requesting documents and communications related to SSP, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program for humanitarian aid, and the Disaster Relief Fund. They emphasize the importance of prioritizing resources to serve Americans in times of crisis.
Recent Republican inquiries have raised doubts about DHS's ability to effectively respond to emergencies while managing the border crisis. Senators have questioned the impact of border-related activities on FEMA's readiness and emergency response capabilities, urging the administration to focus on securing the border instead of relying on FEMA for border-related efforts.
