FEMA Administrator Testifies on Hurricane Aid Controversy

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is set to testify before Congressional committees regarding the agency's response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, amid allegations of discrimination against Trump supporters in disaster aid distribution. A former FEMA employee, Marn’i Washington, claimed she was directed to avoid homes displaying Trump signs, a statement that prompted her firing and sparked investigations into potential systemic bias within the agency. Criswell condemned Washington's actions as 'reprehensible,' stating they violated FEMA's core principles, while Washington insists she was merely following orders from her superiors. House Republicans are pushing for reforms to expedite disaster relief funding, highlighting concerns over politicization within FEMA's operations. The House Homeland Security Committee is demanding interviews with FEMA employees to further investigate these allegations, signaling a broader inquiry into the agency's practices. As FEMA faces scrutiny, it has requested substantial additional funding to support ongoing recovery efforts from recent disasters.