The recent remarks made by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas regarding FEMA’s insufficient funding to address the aftermath of Hurricane Helene were met with criticism from Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody. During an interview on Fox & Friends First, Moody expressed her exasperation, asserting that the administration’s management of FEMA resources should be a source of outrage for Americans. She claimed that the federal government’s expenditures on migrant resettlement have caused a strain on the agency.
Moody emphasized that the administration has redirected funds intended for disaster relief, specifically emergency food and shelter, to immigration programs. She contended that the misallocation of resources has resulted in states such as Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee experiencing difficulties in recovering from the natural calamity, in addition to the consequences of federal policies.
In a briefing, Mayorkas cautioned that FEMA is experiencing a shortage of funds and may not have sufficient resources to address the remainder of the hurricane season. He emphasized, “We are meeting the immediate needs with the money that we have, but we do not have the funds to make it through the season.” Nevertheless, the Department of Homeland Security refuted Republican assertions, asserting that the funds allocated for migrant assistance programs are distinct from those designated for disaster relief.
Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 hurricane that struck the southeastern United States, has caused substantial damage and loss of life in numerous states, with more than 190 confirmed fatalities.