### Republican Lawmaker Questions FEMA's Disaster Relief Spending

A prominent Republican legislator has sent a critical letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, criticizing the allocation of nearly half of a recent congressional appropriation for disaster relief to non-hurricane-related interests. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) raised concerns about FEMA's financial management following the lifting of restrictions on immediate needs funding (INF) on October 1, a move which occurred right after Hurricane Helene struck Florida.

Rep. Roy, a member of the House Budget Committee, expressed that American citizens are worried about FEMA's capacity to handle hurricanes and future disaster events given the current rate of expenditure. According to Roy, FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) is being rapidly depleted due to billions being channelled towards non-immediate needs, including COVID-19-related expenditures, even though the oficial emergency period ended nearly two years ago. He emphasized that this is particularly concerning with nearly two months still remaining in the hurricane season.

In a recent statement, Roy described FEMA's decision to lift the INF restrictions as "questionable," noting that approximately $344 million has already been allocated for Hurricane Helene response, with more funding anticipated. He highlighted that about $1.2 billion has been allocated to COVID-19 efforts in California alone, and substantial funds initially delayed by INF restrictions were ultimately redirected to COVID-19 projects.

Roy demanded comprehensive answers from Criswell regarding the rationale for lifting the INF restrictions when images of devastation in the Smokies were widespread. He requested detailed figures for allocations related to COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 projects, as well as for recovery efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Roy suggested that Congress may need to consider banning the use of DRF funds for COVID-19 projects to ensure the fund's availability for future disasters. "If we are going to appropriate dollars for disaster relief, both FEMA and Congress should ensure the DRF prioritizes individuals impacted by disasters," he stated.

Fox News Digital has reached out to FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for comments on the matter.