In recent discussions around disaster relief funding, emotions have flared, and the stakes have never been higher. New York Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, a member of the House Border Security Caucus, has voiced her concerns about the current situation regarding FEMA and its funds. With summer turning to fall and hurricane season still looming, Malliotakis is worried that the Biden-Harris administration seems to have its priorities mixed up, especially with the important work of disaster recovery at hand.
Just before Halloween, Congress gave the green light for an additional $20 billion to be allocated for FEMA. But despite that injection of cash, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas found himself saying that the agency wouldn’t have enough funds to make it through the hurricane season. It raises an eyebrow and sparks questions: is this a miscommunication, or is something more troubling at play? Malliotakis suggested that it stems from the administration’s focus on accommodating migrants rather than prioritizing the needs of American citizens affected by natural disasters.
Frustrations have been mounting as reports emerge of FEMA funds being used rapidly to cover disaster responses across the country, including in New York City. The Congresswoman passionately argued that despite taxpayer money being funneled into shelters for those who entered the country illegally, the resources available to help residents affected by hurricanes are still insufficient. Malliotakis pointed out that some migrants, especially those with criminal histories, should not be using emergency funds intended for American families as they deal with the aftermath of disasters.
Moreover, the Congresswoman highlighted the pattern of mismanagement by the current administration. From the tragic Maui fires to the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, it seems that crises are handled with a disorganized approach. Malliotakis underlined that when American citizens call for support, they should be the priority. After all, how can we ensure safety and recovery if funds meant for emergencies get spent on sheltering individuals who may have committed serious crimes?
While the public grows restless, there have been calls for Congress to return early for another funding vote, but House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office has made it clear that Congress will wait until November to address these needs. Malliotakis believes that if the President were to complete an on-ground assessment and clarify necessary funds for disaster recovery, Congress would be ready to step back into action. But as of now, the ball seems to be in the president’s court, and as many Americans are painfully aware, waiting for action from this administration can feel like an eternity.
All this turmoil begs the question: can this administration right its ship when it comes to emergency funding? Malliotakis believes there should be a priority shift toward helping American families in desperate need rather than those who are only just beginning to integrate into society. With Americans hoping to see effective management and a clearer path toward relief, it’s time for leaders in Washington to step up and prioritize the needs of their constituents over the complexities of immigration policy. It’s a fine balancing act, but one that is crucial if the administration hopes to gain back some of the public’s trust.