Rep. Nellie Pou Accuses Sec. Noem of Violating Law by Withholding FEMA Funds

Concerns Over Withheld FEMA Funds

• 💡 Congresswoman Pou expresses deep concern that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is blatantly ignoring laws regarding the withholding of FEMA grant funding.
• ⚠️ She states that the Trump administration's funding freeze has created chaos and unpredictability, with reportedly $100 billion cancelled or unlawfully withheld.
• 🎯 This withholding undermines the ability of state and local governments to plan for critical events, such as security for the upcoming World Cup.

Delays in Grant Program Guidance

• 📌 Pou highlights that guidance for the Homeland Security Grant Program and the Nonprofit Security Grant Program is significantly delayed, impacting security planning for events like the World Cup and protection for religious institutions.
• ⏳ The delay in issuing guidance for these critical funding programs is seen as a threat to national security.

World Cup Security and Travel Concerns

• 🌍 New Jersey is set to host the FIFA World Cup, with the final match in Pou's district, expecting tens of thousands of spectators.
• ✈️ Pou questions how DHS will ensure that fans legally traveling to the U.S. are not targeted for immigration raids, especially with the administration's rhetoric and potential reinstatement of a travel ban.
• 🤝 DHS is working with international teams and fans to process paperwork and facilitate travel, and has formed a task force to ensure the event is held safely and hospitably.
• 🤝 DHS is committed to partnering with host cities like those in New Jersey to ensure preparedness and security for the event.