Fox's first appearance — The House Homeland Security Committee requests interviews with three FEMA employees about possible “systemic bias” against Trump supporters — The agency says now-fired employee Marni Washington told relief workers As he deals with the fallout from his directive to skip homes that clearly advertised support for the president — elected Donald Trump during post-Hurricane Milton recovery efforts.
In a letter to FEMA Administrator DeAnne Criswell, Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Greene (R-Tenn.) said Washington was appointed to the position he was supposed to be in charge of policy in Florida. I'm asking you to speak to three members. These officials are FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Summern, Acting Region 4 Administrator Robert Ash, and Chad Hershey, FEMA's Disaster Survivor Assistance Team Leader.
The letter cited Washington's recent comments on Fox News and elsewhere, saying she was being made a scapegoat because she was following orders from her bosses.
Greene is joined in the letter by Rep. Dan Bishop (R.N.C.) and Rep. Anthony D'Esposito (RN.Y.), who chair the relevant Homeland Security subcommittee.
FEMA worker says to avoid houses with Trump signs: 'I'd be lying if I said I was surprised'
DeAnne Criswell was unanimously confirmed by the Senate on April 22, 2021, as the 12th Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (Getty Images)
“Mr. Washington's statement contradicts FEMA's press release and points to possible systemic bias within FEMA against individuals who support President-elect Donald J. Trump,” the lawmakers said in the letter. mentioned in. “If such bias exists within FEMA, the committee believes that households that support President-elect Trump, and even areas that are primarily comprised of Republican households, will receive reduced levels of resources, personnel, and assistance.” “We are deeply concerned that recovery after a natural disaster could be significantly prolonged.” ”
Criswell said in a statement after the Daily Wire first reported on Washington's order that it is “reprehensible” and “a clear violation of FEMA's core values and principles.” said.
“Once again, I'm just doing what my boss tells me to do,” Washington countered in an interview with Trace Gallagher on “Fox News at Night” last week.
“This was the culture. They were already avoiding these homes based on community trends due to hostile political contacts,” Washington also said.
House watchdog calls FEMA chief to testify as officials tell workers to avoid returning home with Trump signs
Greene's letter asks FEMA to schedule meetings with Hershey, Ash and Samaan by the end of this week. Fox News also was told by a source familiar with the matter that the Homeland Security Committee will soon request transcripts of other interviews regarding FEMA oversight.
“if [Washington] “If that is the case and there is a broader 'policy' regarding discriminatory practices in an agency's recovery efforts, this committee will demand accountability at the highest level,” Greene said in a statement to Fox News. ” he said.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell speaks during a press conference at the White House, Friday, January 14, 2022, in Washington. (AP)
Washington told Fox News that FEMA is prioritizing “avoidance” and “de-escalation” in situations where some employees may feel unsafe, and that it does not necessarily target Trump supporters politically. He emphasized that he was not in a position to do so. She said this could include other situations, such as urban areas with loose dogs.
Washington told Gallagher that explicitly discriminating against people because of their political leanings violates the Hatch Act, but added, “Unfortunately, once again, Trump's ardent supporters, some Some of them were a bit violent.”
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Still, Mr. Criswell will face tough parliamentary deliberations on Tuesday. She is scheduled to appear before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee at 10 a.m. ET and testify before the House Oversight Committee at 2 p.m. ET.
Fox News' Trace Gallagher and Melissa Summers contributed to this report.
