Rep. Steube Continues Full Force Oversight of FEMA for Political Discrimination Policy
Demands Answers Prior to Biden-Harris Administration Departure
WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) has sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell, demanding answers to questions that Administrator Criswell was unable to provide during her testimony before the House Oversight Committee. During her testimony, Administrator Criswell agreed to followup with Rep. Steube’s office to provide responses.
“FEMA is intentionally dragging their feet on providing answers to Congress in the remaining weeks of the Biden-Harris administration. Floridians are outraged at the discriminatory practices FEMA implemented against Trump supporters. The discrimination is now seemingly widespread, contrary to FEMA’s claims. I am committed to continuing full force oversight of FEMA as long as it takes to provide transparency and answers to my district,” said Rep. Steube.
Rep. Steube writes, “Considering the short period of time remaining for the Biden Administration, it is imperative that [Criswell] promptly respond to requests for information from Congress.”
The letter requests answers from FEMA, addressing the following questions:
- When did FEMA institute the “avoidance” policy?
- What are the names and titles of the 13 FEMA employees who received the directive to skip the homes of Trump supporters in Florida?
- Have these 13 employees provided sworn statements to investigators at FEMA?
Further, Rep. Steube’s letter demands answers to six specific questions related to FEMA employees skipping homes of Trump supporters in Florida, previously sent to FEMA on November 15th, prior to the hearing. FEMA missed the deadline to provide responses to Rep. Steube.
Read Rep. Steube’s full letter here.
Background:
According to FEMA, an agency employee was fired after instructing FEMA staff to avoid homes displaying signs in support of President Trump while canvassing Florida neighborhoods for disaster recovery assistance.
Rep. Steube sent a letter to FEMA on November 15th demanding answers about the fired employee’s claims that this practice was not isolated and that she was following FEMA’s protocol of “avoidance” at homes with Trump signage.
Rep. Steube interrogated FEMA Administrator Criswell during an Oversight Committee hearing on Capitol Hill on Nov. 20. Watch his remarks here.
During the hearing, House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) announced the committee is in receipt of whistleblower allegations that FEMA is discriminating against individuals displaying Trump campaign signs on their property and withholding relief.
Resources:
Any Floridian who feels their home was intentionally skipped by FEMA can view available FEMA resources on my website or contact one of my offices for more information.
