Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt of Alabama questioned U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell during a Senate Committee on Appropriations hearing regarding the Biden Administration's disaster relief funding request.

During the session, Senator Britt highlighted the need for bipartisan support for a disaster supplemental bill, referencing Selma, Alabama's recovery from an EF-2 tornado on January 12, 2023. She emphasized that $10 million in funding is crucial for communities affected by storms in 2023, including Selma. "I want to make sure that money actually goes to these communities that were affected and need it," said Senator Britt.

Britt also discussed the challenges faced by Alabama's family farmers due to Congress' failure to pass a Farm Bill this year. She noted a significant decline in net cash farm income in Alabama between 2022 and 2023, amounting to more than $1 billion or a 33% loss. "The main cause of this loss is out of the control of these farm families," she stated.

Addressing FEMA accountability, Senator Britt questioned Administrator Criswell about reports of a FEMA supervisor instructing relief workers in Florida to avoid homes with Trump signs. Criswell confirmed that the supervisor was terminated and described the incident as "reprehensible" and isolated. A further investigation is underway, with assurances given that similar behavior will not be tolerated.

###