House committee demands interviews with FEMA employees about order to avoid Trump supporters’ houses
The House Homeland Security Committee is taking action against possible “systemic bias” within FEMA, following the controversial comments made by now-fired employee Marn’i Washington. Washington allegedly instructed relief workers to avoid homes displaying support for President-elect Donald Trump during recovery efforts after Hurricane Milton.
In response to these allegations, Committee Chair Mark Green, along with Reps. Dan Bishop and Anthony D’Esposito, have demanded interviews with three key FEMA employees responsible for policy in Florida, where Washington was stationed. These employees include FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan, Deputy Region 4 Administrator Robert Ashe, and Chad Hershey, the lead for FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance crew.
The lawmakers expressed concern over potential bias within FEMA, which could result in households supporting President-elect Trump receiving diminished levels of resources and support during disaster recovery efforts. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell condemned Washington’s actions, calling them “reprehensible” and a violation of FEMA’s core values.
Washington, in her defense, claimed that she was simply following instructions from her superiors and that avoiding certain homes was based on community trends from previous hostile encounters. She also highlighted the agency’s focus on de-escalation in potentially unsafe situations, which may not necessarily target Trump supporters specifically.
The House Oversight Committee is set to question Criswell on Tuesday, with hearings scheduled before both the House Transportation & Infrastructure subcommittee and the House Oversight Committee. The committee aims to address any potential discriminatory practices within FEMA and hold those responsible at the highest levels accountable.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how FEMA will address these allegations of bias and ensure fair treatment for all individuals affected by natural disasters. Stay tuned for further developments on this story.
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