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Senators ask Noem to promise nonpolitical disaster relief; she pledges to follow law and ensure equal delivery
Summary
Committee members raised concerns that disaster relief could be politicized; Kristi Noem pledged that FEMA and DHS would deliver programs "with no political bias" if she is confirmed and to provide transparency to the committee about funding decisions.
Senators used parts of the Jan. 17 hearing to press Kristi Noem on disaster assistance and whether DHS would deliver FEMA resources without political bias.
Senator Richard Blumenthal described public comments attributed to the incoming president suggesting he might consider withholding disaster relief from states whose governors he opposed, and asked whether Noem would stand up to a president who sought to withhold funds. Noem responded: “Under my leadership at the Department of Homeland Security, there will be no political bias to how disaster relief is delivered to the American people.”
Committee members repeatedly asked for assurances that FEMA decisions would be made according to law. Noem told senators she would “deliver the programs according to the law and that it will be done with no political bias,” and that she would work with the committee to provide transparency about disaster assistance allocations.
Senators also pressed Noem on communication with governors when federal programs relocate or resettle populations; she said the federal-state communication has been “absolutely broken” in recent years and that she would improve coordination. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and others had previously raised related concerns about federal-state communication; Noem reiterated her commitment to improve coordination and to work with governors on placements and resourcing.
