October 14, 2024 – Republicans on the House Homeland Security Committee are introducing a review of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spending priorities because of issues with funds for illegal immigrants and disaster response. The investigation comes at a time when the Biden administration is being scrutinized more closely on how it handled the border crisis and recent natural disasters.
In a letter addressed to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, GOP lawmakers questioned the department’s management of funds and how it prioritizes its disaster response capabilities. “The Committee on Homeland Security…is investigating DHS’ prioritization of its ability to adequately respond to natural disasters,” the lawmakers wrote.
The inquiry coincides with Mayorkas’ recent warnings that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) lacks stable long-term funding to cover the full scope of this year’s hurricane season, despite having enough for immediate needs. He emphasized the need for Congress to approve a supplemental spending bill to ensure adequate resources for disaster recovery efforts, stating earlier this month, “We have funds, but that is not a stable source of supply… This is a multibillion-dollar, multiyear recovery.”
Finance has been a polarizing subject, with conservatives questioning the $65 million of grants FEMA is providing nonprofits and communities to maintain the housing and services for illegal migrants. These funds, which were supposed to go to Customs and Border Protection, have come under fire from critics saying the money should be used for disaster relief projects.
In response, DHS has pushed back, clarifying that the funds used for migrant services come from a separate, congressionally appropriated program and are unrelated to the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), which remains dedicated to natural disaster response. A DHS spokesperson, in a statement to Fox News Digital, said, “These claims are completely false. As Secretary Mayorkas said, FEMA has the necessary resources to meet the immediate needs associated with Hurricane Helene and other disasters.”.
The Shelter and Services Program (SSP), which funded migrant relief, is another grant programme created and authorized by Congress. DHS has emphasized it does not divert resources from disaster relief for the border problem.
As the border crisis has become unprecedented, particularly in southern states, the fallout has brought greater attention to how federal resources are spent at a time of simultaneous crises. GOP lawmakers pressed for more oversight and disclosure, especially in how DHS coordinates the interest of Americans suffering from natural disasters with a mounting migrant crisis on the southern border.
Despite the controversy, DHS continues to insist its funding is legal and consistent with congressional policy, but GOP members in the House have already signaled they are willing to open a new investigation as they press for more answers on what DHS funds.
To read more about the developing landscape, see Fox News Digital and Homeland Security Committee.
