Rep. Roy demands answers from FEMA on mismanagement of Disaster Relief Funds

Representative Roy wrote in a letter, "FEMA is rapidly spending billions out of the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) on non-immediate needs, including billions in unnecessary funding for COVID-19, which threatens to deplete the fund despite there being nearly two months left in hurricane season."

The Congressman noted that on August 7, 2024, FEMA announced immediate needs funding (INF) restrictions for the DRF, which prioritized funding for near-term relief efforts over longer-term projects. However, on October 1, 2024, FEMA lifted INF restrictions just a few days after Hurricane Helene made landfall and days before Hurricane Milton began to form.

"As a result of FEMA's questionable decision to lift INF restrictions, FEMA spent $9 billion of the $20.26 billion Congress recently provided to the DRF in just eight days. Most of this funding has gone toward longer-term recovery efforts, not relief for victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Indeed, as of October 9, 2024, FEMA has spent $344 million on Hurricane Helene efforts, though I understand more funding has been obligated," said Representative Roy.

The letter also reveals that according to a FEMA document, as of October 4, 2024, nearly $4 billion - or 45% - of the DRF funding that was delayed due to INF restrictions was for COVID-19 projects.

Representative Roy wrote, "FEMA must be transparent about the decisions made using congressionally appropriated dollars and must ensure Americans who are currently suffering due to recent disasters are prioritized."

Read the full letter here.

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