Congressman Bean, Colleagues Demand Answers from FEMA Over Denying Aid to Trump Supporters

WASHINGTON—This week, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) joined two letters demanding answers and accountability from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell following troubling reports that agency staff was instructed to avoid providing aid to hurricane victims displaying Trump for President campaign signs.

Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Sam Graves (MO-06) and Economic Development, Emergency Management, and Public Buildings Subcommittee Chair Scott Perry (PA-10) authored one letter. Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16) authored the second letter.

“It is outrageous that FEMA personnel would deny assistance to disaster victims based on their political views. This raises serious concerns about a federally funded agency putting politics over people. Hurricane victims in Florida and North Carolina have questions and they deserve answers. We must get to the bottom of this blatant discrimination and ensure those involved are held responsible,” said Congressman Bean.

BACKGROUND

According to reports from sources inside FEMA, at least 20 homes with pro-Trump campaign signs or flags were bypassed by relief workers from late October through November, as a result of direct guidance from a FEMA supervisor. The supervisor alleged that this practice of political discrimination was “not isolated” to Florida, but also extended to the Carolinas. She even stated that “senior leadership will lie to you and tell you that they don't know” while FEMA continues to deny assistance to storm victims across the country.

To read the full letter led by Congressman Buchanan, click HERE.

To read the full letter led by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, click HERE.  

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