The House Oversight Committee is investigating claims of political bias and mismanagement within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the broader Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Republican lawmakers allege that the Biden administration’s policies have failed to prioritize the safety and welfare of vulnerable populations, including unaccompanied migrant children and hurricane victims.
Concerns Over Child Welfare at the Border
A new report from Senate Republicans highlights a surge in illegal child labor due to unaccompanied minors being released to unvetted adult sponsors.
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The report alleges that the administration prioritized speed over safety when processing children at the southern border, with some cases resulting in children being handed to inappropriate or unidentified individuals.
Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), Chairman of the Oversight Committee, called the administration’s handling of unaccompanied minors “corrupt and inhumane.” Comer emphasized the need for stricter vetting procedures and greater accountability within DHS, which has reportedly lost track of over 300,000 children.
FEMA Accused of Political Discrimination
Republicans also raised concerns about FEMA officials allegedly bypassing homes with Trump campaign signs during hurricane relief efforts. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell acknowledged under questioning that an employee involved in directing workers to avoid such homes had been terminated. However, Criswell admitted she had not personally spoken to the individuals implicated in the allegations and had delegated the investigation to the Inspector General.
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) criticized the alleged bias, stating, “There is a FEMA official who said the agency’s practice of avoiding homes that support President Trump is an open secret and has been happening for years.” Donalds called for full transparency, urging Criswell to release all communications related to the matter.
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Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) further questioned Criswell’s handling of the investigation, accusing FEMA of fostering a culture of bias against conservatives. He referenced a text message thread in which FEMA employees reportedly directed workers to avoid homes displaying Trump flags. “This mindset in the government that conservatives are deplorable… that’s what this sounds like,” Jordan said.
Calls for DHS Reform
Republicans also criticized the size and structure of DHS, with several lawmakers calling for the agency to be broken up. Rep. Comer and others argued that the sprawling department, which oversees 19 agencies, including FEMA and Border Patrol, has become unwieldy and ineffective.
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Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) pointed to FEMA’s poor performance during recent disasters, stating, “FEMA has fallen way short… My constituents were told what FEMA couldn’t do rather than what they could do.”
Whistleblower Protections
The committee is taking whistleblower reports seriously, with several individuals coming forward to provide accounts of FEMA’s alleged discrimination. Lawmakers emphasized the importance of protecting whistleblowers from retaliation, with Rep. Comer pledging to ensure their safety.
“We want to create an environment where whistleblowers feel safe coming forward,” Comer said. “If retaliation occurs, those responsible must be held accountable.”
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