Nashville Standard

Last week, key members of the House Committee on Homeland Security took steps to investigate a reported case of political discrimination within FEMA. Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN), Subcommittee Chairman Dan Bishop (R-NC), and Emergency Management and Technology Chairman Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY) sent a letter to Chad Hershey, leader of the Disaster Survival Assistance Task Force. They requested that he participate in a transcribed interview regarding the actions of former FEMA employee Marn’i Washington.

Washington was dismissed for allegedly advising relief workers to avoid homes displaying support for Donald Trump while assessing disaster relief needs in Florida after Hurricane Milton. She claims her instructions were aligned with internal guidance from FEMA and were based on advice from Hershey to avoid potential political hostility.

In their letter, the committee chairmen referenced a statement by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell confirming Washington's actions and departure from FEMA’s values. They quoted Washington as saying her supervisor had instructed her actions, highlighting an alleged pattern of withholding federal assistance based on political affiliation.

The committee aims to understand the full scope of these practices within FEMA. Their investigation follows letters sent on November 22 to both Washington and Administrator Criswell seeking transcribed interviews about the situation.