Accusations Against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Over Disaster Relief Funds

Congresswoman Deborah Ross of North Carolina has publicly accused Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem of deliberately withholding disaster relief funds while prioritizing self-promotional contracts. Ross claims that approximately $80 million in relief funds, previously appropriated during the Biden administration, were only released after Senator Thom Tillis criticized Noem's department during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Ross stated, "The timing of the release of funding generally coincides with a congressional hearing," which contradicts FEMA's assertion that the timing was unrelated to oversight pressure.

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Ross highlighted that Western North Carolina has faced two consecutive winters without adequate disaster recovery funding, despite the funds being allocated by Congress. She criticized Noem for approving hundreds of millions in contracts for private jets and public relations, suggesting a pattern of wasteful spending that could indicate corruption. Ross emphasized the need for accountability, stating, "We shouldn't have to have a U.S. senator come to you directly to get you to do your job."

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In response to the allegations, FEMA maintains that the timing of the fund release was not influenced by external pressures. However, the agency's position has been challenged by Ross, who argues that the circumstances surrounding the funding's release raise serious concerns about Noem's management of disaster relief efforts.

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Critics, including Ross, have expressed frustration over the ongoing partial government shutdown affecting DHS, which they argue complicates the disbursement of essential funds. Ross noted that Democrats have proposed two paths forward: implementing guardrails on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations to prevent constitutional violations, and separating these provisions from FEMA and cybersecurity funding. She criticized Republican resistance to these measures, suggesting a lack of urgency in addressing the needs of disaster-affected communities.

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While Ross's accusations focus on Noem's alleged mismanagement, FEMA's defense emphasizes procedural integrity in the release of funds. The discrepancy between these narratives highlights a broader conflict regarding the accountability of DHS and its leadership. Further investigation may be necessary to clarify the circumstances surrounding the fund releases and the implications for disaster recovery efforts.

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• "The timing of the release of funding generally coincides with a congressional hearing." — Deborah Ross, Congresswoman

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• "She is just lying." — Deborah Ross, Congresswoman

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• "We shouldn't have to have a U.S. senator come to you directly to get you to do your job." — Deborah Ross, Congresswoman

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