Florida’s multi-billion-dollar storm recovery took center stage on Capitol Hill today as Senator Ashley Moody pressed the nominee tapped to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
During a Senate Homeland and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, Moody questioned FEMA nominee Cameron Hamilton about the pace of federal disaster relief. The senator focused her questions on the ongoing reimbursement process for local communities and called for more federal funding to help maintain Florida’s disaster infrastructure before the next storm hits.
The questioning comes as total federal disaster recovery funding for Florida hits a major milestone, officially reaching $1.7 billion.
“Floridians know better than anyone that disaster recovery must move quickly and with transparency,” Moody said during the hearing. “When businesses and families are working to rebuild after devastating storms, they deserve an agency that delivers results.”
Moody highlighted her recent work in Washington to track and accelerate federal aid packages.
“Just in the short time I’ve been in the Senate, I’ve worked hard to facilitate the return of $1.7 billion in reimbursements to the state through FEMA and passed legislation into law that provides accountability in the reimbursement process,” Moody stated. “As hurricane season continues, I will continue working to ensure FEMA is accountable, responsive, and focused on helping rebuild our communities impacted by natural disasters.”
The funding effort involves widespread coordination across hundreds of local recovery initiatives. Working alongside Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, officials have successfully processed 467 distinct FEMA projects so far. Those approved projects account for more than $847 million of the total federal assistance sent to Florida.
With the current hurricane season already active, the speed and transparency of these payouts remain a primary concern for state officials trying to rebuild local communities.
The committee also used the session to vet candidates for two other high-level federal positions. Senators reviewed the nomination of Brian Cavanaugh to serve as the Under Secretary for Management at the Department of Homeland Security. They also evaluated Florida’s James Woodruff, who is nominated to serve as Chairman of the Merit Systems Protection Board.
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