Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas confronted NBC host Kristen Welker on “Meet the Press” regarding FEMA’s handling of Hurricane Helene, pointing to the agency’s significant spending on migrant assistance in recent years.
During the discussion, Welker disputed Cotton’s claim, labeling it “misinformation,” particularly the idea that FEMA funds were diverted to migrants. Cotton pushed back, stating that over $1 billion had been spent on a migrant assistance program over the last two fiscal years. He argued that FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had prioritized funding for migrants over emergency relief efforts.
“My broader question is about this misinformation. Do you think it’s time to put falsehoods aside, like the claim that FEMA funds are being redirected to migrants, which is just not true?” Welker asked.
Cotton responded, “It is true that FEMA and DHS have spent billions on migrants. While some claim these are separate funds, it’s common for administrations to request permission to move money around in emergencies.”
He further criticized the Biden administration, saying, “They have no problem finding money for their priorities, like student loan forgiveness or other initiatives, but when it comes to life-saving resources for hurricane victims, they struggle to allocate the funds.”
Hurricane Helene, a devastating Category 4 storm, wreaked havoc on southern states including western North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. According to AP More than 200 people died, and many remain displaced after flash floods destroyed homes, leaving communities in desperate need of assistance.
