Noem's new spending approval rule delays FEMA response during Texas floods

In early July, catastrophic flooding occurred in central Texas, leading to severe loss of life and widespread destruction. An estimated 120 people lost their lives, with more than 160 reported missing, as floodwaters rose dramatically, damaging homes and camps. Federal Emergency Management Agency officials reported experiencing delays in mobilizing urban search and rescue teams due to newly implemented guidelines from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. These guidelines required her personal approval for any department contracts or grants exceeding $100,000, significantly impacting FEMA's ability to respond to the immediate needs of the affected areas. Critical resources that could have been deployed swiftly were hindered by bureaucratic red tape, resulting in delays of almost three days before FEMA's requests for assistance were approved. The implications of these changes raised concerns among FEMA officials about their effectiveness during emergencies. The move to place spending controls aligns with the Trump administration's broader agenda to reduce federal involvement in disaster management, advocating for more state-level authority. Secretary Noem defended her actions, accusing media outlets like CNN of spreading misinformation regarding her agency’s response efficiency and maintaining that essential resources were available despite new expenditure rules. As the situation unfolded, there were calls from within FEMA expressing fears that the approval changes could have dire consequences should future disasters occur across larger regions or multiple states, ultimately affecting disaster recovery efforts.