Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Dispels Dangerous Disinformation During Oversight Full Committee Hearing with FEMA Administrator following Hurricanes Helene and Milton

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) participated in a full Committee on Oversight and Accountability hearing, where Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell served as the sole witness to testify on the agency's response to recent devastating hurricanes and natural disasters that impacted parts of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, damaging misinformation circulated online that FEMA employees discriminated against victims and survivors based on their political views. During his line of questioning, Congressman Krishnamoorthi confirmed with Administrator Criswell that FEMA did not discriminate against those impacted by the storms and that the agency did everything in its power to assist those affected by the storms.

"When natural disasters and extreme weather events strike, Americans turn to the federal government and FEMA for the help they need. But misinformation and disinformation online hinder those efforts and sow mistrust among those in desperate need of help to recover and rebuild," Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. "FEMA has received bipartisan praise from elected officials across every level, and dangerous misinformation like we have seen in recent weeks undermines the government's efforts to aid those in need. I'm grateful for Administrator Criswell coming before the committee to put to rest these damaging rumors and for reaffirming the agency's commitment to helping everyone, from individuals to small businesses, as they build back stronger."

Congressman Krishnamoorthi also highlighted the risks natural disasters pose to child care during his discussion with Administrator Criswell. He emphasized that many child care centers operate within providers' homes rather than commercial facilities and are often overlooked in the immediate aftermath of disasters. Referencing urban flood susceptibility maps, he noted that mass flooding in the greater Chicago area could impact thousands of child care centers. Congressman Krishnamoorthi urged Administrator Criswell and FEMA to collaborate with his office and the Oversight Committee to improve coordination with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to ensure these centers receive support after extreme weather events.

A link to the Congressman's full question line can be found here.