Members press DHS on FEMA reform and paused grant funding; Puerto Rico funds and timelines questioned
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Summary
Lawmakers from both parties asked Secretary Noem about plans to reform FEMA and about reports that DHS has paused or withheld grant funding. Noem said the administration plans to empower states, will convene a FEMA Review Council, and is reviewing grants; members asked for written plans and assurances funds already obligated will be delivered.
Multiple lawmakers on the House Homeland Security Committee on May 20 pressed Secretary Kristi Noem for details about the administration’s plan to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and about reports that DHS paused or withheld certain grant funds to states and localities.
Noem testified that President Trump has directed a FEMA Review Council to recommend reforms and that the administration’s policy aim is to “empower states and local governments” to respond to disasters while providing federal resources and support. She said that some grants and programs were paused for reevaluation to ensure they were used in accordance with statutory guidance and that certain grants that “should go forward” have been continued.
Democratic and Republican members worried that grant pauses were causing delays in security planning and disaster response. Representative Poe (a member from a host city for next year’s World Cup) said guidance for Homeland Security Grants and the Nonprofit Security Grant Program had not been issued on schedule and that local jurisdictions facing large events require timely certainty. Representative Garcia and others representing Puerto Rico pressed Noem on obligated funds for hurricane recovery, noting billions obligated but only a portion dispersed, and asked whether obligations would be honored regardless of any FEMA restructuring.
Noem told the committee that outstanding claims are a top concern and that the administration intends to ensure “predictable” processes and to confer with governors and federal partners to close long‑unresolved claims. Several members asked for a written plan and timeline; Noem replied that the council and legislative input from Congress would inform any final plan and that the White House was coordinating with DHS on membership and recommendations.
Members agreed to submit written questions and seek follow‑up details on specific disbursement timelines and the department’s documentation for paused grant decisions. No formal committee votes were held during the hearing.