Jefferson Reporter

Representative Gary Palmer has introduced legislation aimed at enhancing disaster relief efforts by allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reallocate existing funds. The bill proposes that FEMA's Administrator be authorized to transfer funds, initially designated for other purposes, into the Disaster Relief Fund.

The initiative follows remarks from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas after Hurricane Helene, highlighting FEMA's financial challenges: “FEMA does not have the funds to make it through the season and what is imminent." Despite this, a report from the DHS Inspector General indicated that FEMA has billions in frozen assets available for potential reallocation. Notably, $4.5 billion remains unused from Super Storm Sandy in 2012, which could address immediate disaster-related needs. Additionally, FEMA continues to approve expenditures linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Palmer's proposed bill seeks to enable the swift transfer of these unobligated COVID-19 resources and previously frozen funds into the Disaster Relief Fund. In a statement, Rep. Palmer emphasized FEMA's mission: “When disaster strikes, FEMA’s purpose is to help the American people... To ensure Americans get the help they need, we must allow these funds to be put to immediate use in the Disaster Relief Fund.”

The bill garners support from several co-sponsors including Representatives Byron Donalds, Barry Moore, Brad Finstad, Scott Perry, Don Bacon, Pete Stauber, Young Kim, and Anna Paulina Luna.