The Trump administration has reportedly violated legal statutes by withholding three specific grants managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), according to a finding by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released on Monday.
The GAO’s report stated that FEMA’s actions contravene the Water Storage Control Act (ICA), which delineates the protocols that allow a presidential administration to postpone or retract funds allocated by Congress.
Particularly, the report criticized FEMA’s handling of the Emergency Food and Shelter Programs, Shelter and Services Programs, and the Next Generation Warning System Grant Program.
These initiatives are crucial as they offer financial aid for providing shelter and food for the homeless, services for immigrants, and help cover the costs associated with enhancing emergency alert systems.
“FEMA does not justify the delays in these programs effectively, having postponed fund obligations without appropriate plans for moving forward,” the report indicated.
This report arrives amid ongoing discussions within the Trump administration about the management and possible cancellation of various federal grants. As part of this oversight, spending exceeding $100,000 requires a personal review by Executive Director Kristi Noem.
Meanwhile, there have been suggestions about potentially dismantling emergency management agencies altogether, although reform discussions have surfaced recently.
The report highlighted a lack of progress from the Trump administration regarding the challenged grant program, noting, “There is no evidence that FEMA is reviewing grants or implementing revised administrative priorities.”
Responding to the GAO’s findings, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin contended via email that the assessment was incorrect.
“We are currently restructuring the shelter and service program under the Detention Support Grant Program. The Emergency Food and Shelter Program is actively receiving applications, and FEMA is diligently reviewing them to ensure funds are awarded before they lapse,” McLaughlin asserted.
“These allegations seem to be more about creating a negative narrative around FEMA, when in fact, the agency intends to award these funds, and they’re not sitting idle,” she added.
In light of the report, Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash), who serves as vice-chair of the Senate Budget Committee, criticized the Trump administration, stating, “President Trump has illegally obstructed funds that are essential for issuing emergency warnings to communities nationwide. This unlawful behavior has compromised the safety of Americans.”
“Today serves as another stark reminder that unlawful interference with President Trump’s spending legislation harms real people across the nation, particularly concerning resources for dealing with homelessness and disaster preparedness,” she concluded.
