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FEMA Under Fire as GOP Slams Relief Efforts Avoiding Trump Supporters in Florida
Clear Facts
- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is under scrutiny from House Republicans following guidance to bypass homes displaying Trump signs during hurricane relief efforts in Florida.
- The guidance was issued by a now-fired FEMA supervisor, Marn’i Washington, and allegedly led to around 20 homes being skipped.
- Republican lawmakers have demanded a briefing from Criswell by December 2 to address these concerns and discuss FEMA’s preparedness and response strategies.
Republican lawmakers have expressed strong disapproval towards FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell after revelations that a FEMA supervisor instructed relief workers to avoid homes with Trump signs in Florida.
The directive was reportedly issued by Marn’i Washington, a FEMA supervisor who has since been terminated.
The lawmakers, in a letter signed by 35 Republicans from the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, criticized Criswell for her handling of relief efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
“In reporting that first emerged, it was revealed that a FEMA supervisor sent a best practices message to FEMA workers canvassing the Florida area impacted by Hurricane Milton, which instructed the workers to ‘avoid homes advertising Trump,’” the letter stated.
They have requested a briefing on this incident by December 2.
Whistleblowers have indicated that approximately 20 homes were bypassed due to this guidance.
FEMA has responded by labeling the incident as “isolated” and has taken action by firing Washington.
The Republicans are demanding that Criswell provide documentation on when officials first became aware of the guidance and the actions taken thereafter.
A whistleblower complaint was filed on October 27, and Washington was dismissed on November 9.
“As the FEMA Administrator, you are responsible for leading the Nation’s efforts to prepare for, protect against, and respond to natural disasters. The Committee is troubled that under your leadership FEMA failed to aid all Americans, regardless of party affiliation,” the letter emphasized.
The lawmakers further criticized Criswell’s leadership, stating that her inability to ensure unbiased relief efforts represents a “substantial failure of leadership.”
They argued that FEMA’s focus on equity and climate change has detracted from its preparedness and readiness, citing slow responses in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.
“It is clear that, under the Biden-Harris Administration, FEMA has been ill-prepared to provide assistance and relief to many Americans in need,” they wrote.
They expect FEMA to discuss measures taken to prevent political discrimination and address unaided families during the upcoming briefing.
Criswell is scheduled to testify before the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management, as well as the House Oversight Committee, on Tuesday.
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