Rep. Gary Palmer fights to unlock billions in frozen FEMA funds for disaster victims

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November 20, 2024

In the wake of two destructive natural disasters that shook the South, Rep. Gary Palmer has introduced legislation that would support disaster relief by granting the Federal Emergency Management Agency the ability to transfer funds previously designated for COVID and other previous disasters to the organization’s Disaster Relief Fund.

“When disaster strikes, FEMA’s purpose is to help the American people,” said Palmer. “To ensure Americans get the help they need, we must allow these funds to be put to immediate use in the Disaster Relief Fund.”

Palmer, Chair of the House GOP Policy Committee, drew attention to comments made by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas regarding a lack of FEMA funding in which the secretary declared that the agency does not have the funding to “make it through the season and what is imminent.”

According to Palmer, Mayorkas’ comments are incorrect. The Congressman cited a report from the DHS’ Inspector General revealing FEMA in fact has billions of frozen funds that could be transferred to the Disaster Relief Fund.

For example, there are $4.5 billion in frozen funds from Super Storm Sandy in 2012 that could be used to meet immediate emergency needs. Additionally, FEMA is still approving expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

FEMA currently has billions of frozen and unobligated funds that could be transferred to the Disaster Relief Fund.

To ensure Americans get the help they need, we must allow these funds to be put to immediate use. https://t.co/AUMBPU1XOs

— Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) November 19, 2024

The legislation is co-sponsored by both members of the House Freedom Caucus and centrist Republicans. They are: Representatives Byron Donalds (FL-19), Barry Moore (AL-02), Brad Finstad (MN-01), Scott Perry (PA-10), Don Bacon (NE-02), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Young Kim (CA-40), and Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13).

Palmer’s bill comes after FEMA’s emergency funds meant to help with natural disasters like Hurricane Helene were reportedly drained to support illegal immigrants in the U.S. Additionally, days after the FEMA funding development, the Biden-Harris Administration announced $157 million in support for the Middle-eastern country of Lebanon.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten