$59M

[Jolly]

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/clawed-back-dhs-chief-noem-secures-eye-popping-sum-given-nyc-migrant-hotels

[89th]

What a mess. Why FEMA is involved with border protection or illegal immigration or the "shelter and services program (SSP)" makes no sense to me.

Not that anyone cares, but I have mixed feelings about this story. First, I absolutely think it's nuts we are housing illegal immigrants in hotels when we have homeless citizens sleeping in the streets, but I also think we should treat all people (including illegals) with kindness and at least provide a respectable path back to their home country. But then why is FEMA involved with the immigration crap?

But then, if congress appropriated the money to do so, it's FEMA's job (and the Executive Branch's job) to execute the use of those funds accordingly. But this is where we get into the current mess of Trump trying to push the envelope with who really control's the purse strings. It's the legislative branch's job of course, but it might take the judicial branch to interpret and enforce that law.

Anyway, what a mess... could've been avoided if they kept FEMA focused on... disaster relief when local authorities are overwhelmed.

[Mik]

Because the influx of immigrants constitutes an emergency in the eyes of the prior administration.

[89th]

Maybe they should rename FEMA to FDRA (Federal Disaster Relief Agency) and move it out from under Homeland Security. Could go to HHS or DoD, even. Would make appropriating funds (and using funds) much clearer!

[jon-nyc]

In was congressionally appropriated for this purpose under a program that predates the Biden administration and was last renewed in 2023 with the approval of Mike Johnson’s congress. The money actually came from the CPB budget but was managed by FEMA, per the legislation.

But I’m sure Fox reported that out in the piece so you guys know that. Right?

Right?

[jon-nyc]

The NYC Comptroller will sue if the Mayor is too afraid to do so.

[jon-nyc]

I wonder what legal case the employees have who were fired for disbursing payments appropriated by congress?

[89th]

Probably the same as those at the FBI who were fired (or will be) for doing their job as requested and investigating a crime.

[jon-nyc]

I wonder if they have a libel claim against Musk. He named them and lied about them publicly.

[89th]

@jon-nyc said in $59M:

In was congressionally appropriated for this purpose under a program that predates the Biden administration and was last renewed in 2023 with the approval of Mike Johnson’s congress. The money actually came from the CPB budget but was managed by FEMA, per the legislation.

But I’m sure Fox reported that out in the piece so you guys know that. Right?

Right?

This is like the EPA story. And the Medicare story. And the Social Security story. So many headlines and/or clickbait for MAGA folks to gobble up and share without realizing most of this was either discovered 1-2+ years ago and/or was done so legally, such as in this NY FEMA case.

Typical 89th repeating... again, I love financial reform and the focus on where our tax dollars are going, but can we do so with honest reporting instead of trying to get fake wins?

[89th]

BTW if you want to see what was "uncovered" (psst, it's all available online), check this out.

Here's the program: https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/shelter-services-program/fy24-awards/ssp-a

Here's the $59 million:

And here are the roll call votes as it passed the House and Senate:

https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2617/all-actions?overview=closed&q={"roll-call-vote"%3A"all"}

House = 225-201 (at least 7 republicans joined the democrats)
Senate = 68-29 (at least 18 republicans joined the democrats)

And if FEMA spent this money on Hurricane Relief... THAT is what would be illegal.

Just some facts.