U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) has sent a formal letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, demanding clarification on whether the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has misused taxpayer funds meant for disaster relief.
Gaetz’s inquiry follows allegations that FEMA redirected $1.4 billion from the Disaster Relief Fund to support illegal immigrants, despite significant needs for hurricane recovery assistance after Hurricane Helene.
Read: Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz Slams Ethics Committee Investigation “This Is Soviet”
Rep. Gaetz’s office has received reports from whistleblowers highlighting mismanagement within FEMA, which has allegedly hindered federal, state, and local response efforts on the ground for Hurricane Helene. Gaetz’s letter comes after Secretary Mayorkas acknowledged FEMA’s shortage of funds for the current hurricane season, citing resources being stretched thin due to the Biden-Harris administration’s immigration policies.
“Americans impacted by disasters are left waiting for help while FEMA funds are used for non-disaster-related programs,” Gaetz said, calling for transparency and answers from DHS and FEMA.
Gaetz has requested responses to questions about FEMA’s use of funds by October 11, 2024, seeking details on how much of FEMA’s budget has been allocated for American disaster relief versus non-citizen support.
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