Flooding in central Texas caused nearly 120 fatalities, complicating the federal response due to a new Department of Homeland Security policy. This policy mandates Secretary Kristi Noem's approval on all FEMA contracts over $100,000, thus hindering emergency response efforts. As rescue crews raced against time, they faced delays in deploying trained Urban Search and Rescue teams. Requests for aerial imagery to assist rescue operations were also stalled, resulting in extended wait times for essential assets during the disaster.
The new Department of Homeland Security policy requires Secretary Kristi Noem to personally sign off on all contracts or grants over $100,000, hindering FEMA's rapid response.
FEMA officials experienced significant delays awaiting Noem's approval to deploy Urban Search and Rescue teams, essential for timely disaster response, especially after catastrophic floods.
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