WASHINGTON — FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell vowed to request an inspector general investigation into allegations that members of a FEMA survivor assistance team in Florida were ordered to avoid homes of Trump supporters during relief efforts for Hurricane Milton.
Criswell made the commitment during her testimony Tuesday before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, insisting that the orders to avoid pro-Trump homes originated from a lone employee and were not part of a wider directive.
Criswell said that manager has since been fired.
"The actions this employee took are unacceptable," she said
"I know that. You know that. We agree on that," replied Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pennsylvania).
"I would welcome an investigation by the IG," Criswell responded.
"But you haven't requested it. Will you request one?" asked Perry.
"I will request one," she said.
"Thank you," said Scott.
The issue arose during a hearing designed to examine how the agency performed in the aftermath of Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Between them, the storms did $170 billion worth of damage and caused the deaths of 230 people, 102 of them in North Carolina.