Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is facing new accusations of violating federal law by delaying the distribution of disaster aid.
A report released Wednesday by two Democratic senators, Gary Peters of Michigan and Andy Kim of New Jersey, argues that Noem has “created extraordinary bureaucratic gridlock” at the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It points to a June directive in which she claimed authority to review minor expenditures not ordinarily scrutinized by a Cabinet secretary.
Noem’s review of grants and contracts over $100,000 violates a federal law barring the DHS secretary from restricting FEMA’s capability to conduct its missions and responsibilities, the report says, adding that the directive delayed essential aid going to disaster victims in numerous states.
“For an administration that touts the importance of efficiency, her needless red tape is proven to have left vulnerable communities without crucial funding when they needed it most,” Kim said in a statement.
