Last week, Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06) introduced a bill that gives the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorization to transfer funds designated for other purposes to the Disaster Relief Fund.
Following Hurricane Helene this year, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated, “FEMA does not have the funds to make it through the season and what is imminent.” However, the DHS’ Inspector General released a report revealing FEMA has billions of frozen funds that could be transferred to the Disaster Relief Fund. For example, there are $4.5 billion frozen funds from Super Storm Sandy in 2012 that could be used to meet immediate emergency needs. Additionally, FEMA is still approving expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rep. Palmer’s bill would allow for the immediate transfer of unobligated COVID-19 funds and frozen funds from previous disasters to the Disaster Relief Fund.
Rep. Palmer released the following statement:
“When disaster strikes, FEMA’s purpose is to help the American people,” said Rep. Palmer. “To ensure Americans get the help they need, we must allow these funds to be put to immediate use in the Disaster Relief Fund.”
The bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Byron Donalds (FL-19), Barry Moore (AL-02), Brad Finstad (MN-01), Scott Perry (PA-10), Don Bacon (NE-02), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Young Kim (CA-40), and Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13).
Read the Fox News article about the bill here.
Read the full text of the bill here.
