### FEMA Addresses Misinformation Regarding Funding Amidst Hurricane Helene Recovery

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a response to recent claims suggesting that their funds are being improperly allocated to aid illegal migrants rather than being used for disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Recent remarks from various prominent Republicans, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Donald Trump Jr., have ignited the debate.

Governor Abbott took to social media, urging FEMA and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to "immediately stop spending money on illegal immigration resettlement and redirect those funds to areas hit by the hurricane. Put Americans first." Similarly, Donald Trump Jr. criticized the allocation, stating that close to $1 billion of FEMA's budget had been used for migrant assistance over the last two years, contributing to FEMA's purported shortage of disaster relief funds.

In response to these allegations, FEMA has launched a page dedicated to debunking rumors about their financial practices. The agency emphasized that it currently possesses adequate resources to address the immediate response and recovery needs of those impacted by Hurricane Helene, which caused extensive damage across multiple East Coast states and resulted in at least 120 fatalities by the end of September.

FEMA has reassured the public that no funds intended for disaster response are being redirected to other purposes. The agency highlighted that the Congress had recently approved $20 billion for their Disaster Relief Fund as part of a short-term government spending bill, ensuring that necessary resources are available for disaster recovery efforts through December 20.

Adding to the clarification, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson reiterated that FEMA’s response capabilities remain uncompromised and that the Shelter and Services Program (SSP)—a separate grant initiative authorized and funded by Congress—operates independently from FEMA’s disaster relief funding.

Despite these clarifications, some critics, including Texas Representative Dan Crenshaw, persist in their assertions that FEMA funds are being misappropriated to support migrant services. However, FEMA has consistently denied these claims, ensuring that disaster response resources are not being diverted to non-disaster activities.

Additionally, FEMA addressed circulating rumors that it solicits cash donations from the public or turns away volunteers and confiscates donations. The agency clarified that it does not typically accept cash donations or volunteers for disaster response and labeled such claims as false and potentially fraudulent.

In summary, FEMA maintains that their disaster relief efforts and funding remain intact and focused on helping those affected by Hurricane Helene, firmly denying allegations of fund diversion and misuse for migrant resettlement.