Mayorkas' claim that FEMA is 'tremendously prepared' comes back to haunt him amid Helene aftermath
Sen Lindsey Graham suggests using Inflation Reduction Act funds for hurricane relief
By Peter Aitken Fox News
Published October 4, 2024 11:44am EDT
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas' words have come back to haunt him as video from earlier this year touting the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA’s) preparedness before Hurricane Helene exposed shortcomings in the organization.
Mayorkas this week warned that FEMA was running out of funds as hurricane season continued to slam the southeastern United States. The organization has enough funds to deal with the aftermath of Helene but would not have enough to "make it through the season."
This warning stands in stark contrast to previous comments Mayorkas made in the summer assuring that FEMA would be able to handle upcoming weather crises.
"FEMA is tremendously prepared," Mayorkas assured reporters in a video from July. "This is what we do, this is what they do, and the key here … is to also make sure the communities who are potentially impacted are prepared as well."
"And it’s not just hurricanes and wildfires – also extreme heat, which certainly some parts of the United States are experiencing," he added. Mayorkas stressed that FEMA has "exercised these muscles, regrettably, year after year" due to the "increasing frequency and gravity of weather events."
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