Memphis Standard

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee has reached out to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding reports of fraud affecting victims of Hurricane Helene. The senator's office has opened ten cases involving stolen FEMA disaster payments.

In a letter addressed to FEMA, Senator Blackburn expressed serious concerns about the situation, stating, "I write to you today to express my grave concerns regarding reports that Hurricane Helene survivors’ assistance checks from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have been cashed by individuals who have stolen these survivors’ identities." She emphasized the severity of defrauding disaster victims and urged FEMA to investigate and resolve these issues promptly.

The reported incidents span several counties in Tennessee, including Unicoi, Johnson, Carter, Cocke, and Washington. According to Blackburn, there are likely more victims beyond those currently identified. She highlighted dissatisfaction among survivors with FEMA's customer service, describing it as inadequate and labeling call wait times and agency bureaucracy as unacceptable.

One particular case involves a survivor who contacted FEMA in October but has yet to receive a reissued payment six months later. When informed that their check had been fraudulently cashed, they were advised by FEMA to contact the Treasury Department instead.

Senator Blackburn also criticized what she perceives as excessive bureaucracy within FEMA. She noted that public confidence in the agency is waning following allegations that some employees under the Biden administration refused aid based on political preferences. "This level of bureaucracy and needless red tape must end," she stated. Expressing appreciation for Secretary Noem's efforts to address misconduct within FEMA, Blackburn underscored her commitment to resolving these issues for Tennesseans affected by Hurricane Helene.

For further details on Senator Blackburn's letter to FEMA, click here.