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**Senators Grill Homeland Security Secretary Over FEMA Response to Southern Storms**

**Washington D.C.** – Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced tough questions from senators on Tuesday regarding FEMA’s handling of recent devastating storms across the southern United States. The hearing before the Senate Homeland Security Committee highlighted concerns about the agency’s ability to respond effectively amidst staffing cuts and President Trump’s stated desire to dismantle FEMA.

Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) pressed Noem on the delayed approval of disaster declaration requests for Missouri, which has suffered numerous fatalities from recent tornadoes. “We are desperate for the assistance in Missouri,” Hawley stated, urging Noem to expedite the requests. Noem pledged to bring the applications before President Trump swiftly.

The situation underscores a growing frustration, even among Republicans, regarding the administration’s handling of disaster relief. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer recently stated that FEMA had not been on the ground to help.

Last month, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a former Trump press secretary, pleaded with the President to reconsider FEMA’s initial denial of disaster aid for her state. Kentucky’s Governor Andy Beshear praised the adminitration’s response.

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) directly challenged Noem on the planned workforce reductions at FEMA, questioning how the agency could effectively meet the needs of constituents with a significantly smaller staff. Noem shifted blame to the Biden administration, accusing it of bloat.

The hearing revealed a growing sense of urgency and concern as states grapple with severe weather events while facing potential limitations in federal disaster assistance.

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