Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi representing Illinois' 8th congressional district, addressed critical issues of misinformation and disaster response during a full Committee on Oversight and Accountability hearing.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell testified as the sole witness, countering allegations of discrimination in FEMA's disaster relief efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The hearing came in the wake of claims circulating online that FEMA discriminated against victims based on political views. Congressman Krishnamoorthi confirmed with Administrator Criswell that FEMA treated all victims equitably and worked tirelessly to assist communities devastated by the storms, which impacted parts of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
When disaster strikes, child care centers based in providers homes are often left behind.
— Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (@CongressmanRaja) November 20, 2024
If massive flooding happened in the Chicago area, thousands of child care providers would be in trouble.
I’m committed to working with @FEMA to make sure we have a plan. pic.twitter.com/Cqwf3hJce1
“When natural disasters and extreme weather events strike, Americans turn to the federal government and FEMA for the help they need,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “But misinformation and disinformation online hinder those efforts and sow mistrust among those in desperate need of help to recover and rebuild. 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.”
In addition to dispelling misinformation, Congressman Krishnamoorthi raised concerns about the vulnerability of child care centers during natural disasters, particularly those based in private homes. Using urban flood maps of the greater Chicago area, he highlighted how mass flooding could disrupt thousands of such centers.
He urged FEMA to collaborate with his office, the Oversight Committee, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to ensure better support for these centers in future disaster preparedness and recovery efforts.
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login