Rep. Adams on Sec. Noem Withholding $100M+ in FEMA Funds for Western NC

WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) released a statement on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem not signing off on more than $100 million in funds already approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in Western North Carolina.

“Over the last year, the people of Western North Carolina have displayed incredible bravery and resiliency as they recover from Hurricane Helene, but they still aren’t getting the federal support they deserve,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Sec. Noem continues to withhold more than $100 million in critical funding already approved by FEMA, hurting the ability for these communities to serve their residents. My colleagues and I in the North Carolina Congressional Delegation fought hard to secure relief funding for Western North Carolina because we know this isn’t a partisan issue. It is unacceptable that the administration keeps delaying the money our constituents are owed.”

“As North Carolina is currently under a state of emergency and faces another dangerous hurricane season, North Carolinians are anxiously wondering if they’ll be met with the same delays in support Western North Carolina is still experiencing,” Adams continued. “Hurricane Erin promises to bring strong winds and heavy rains to North Carolina, and our coastal communities are unsure they’ll receive the relief they need this year. I am calling on the DHS to release all FEMA funds for Western North Carolina and put a plan in place to ensure we can finally bring an end to these catastrophic delays.”