Rep. Jared Moskowitz Calls for Investigation Into DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Over Delayed FEMA

Democratic Representative Jared Moskowitz has demanded a formal investigation into Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, following reports that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) response to the deadly Texas floods was delayed due to a new DHS policy.

In a letter sent Thursday to the chairs of the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Moscowitz voiced serious concerns.

“As a former Emergency Management Director of Florida, I am alarmed by reports that the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) response to the Texas floods was delayed and hampered by a new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ‘cost-control’ policy imposed by Secretary Kristi Noem,” Moscowitz wrote.

He warned that if the reports are accurate, it would mark a major shift in FEMA’s long-standing emergency protocols—one that may have slowed critical rescue operations.

The devastating flooding, which struck Texas on July 4, has already claimed the lives of at least 120 people. Over 170 individuals are still missing, and search-and-rescue operations remain ongoing.

The policy in question allegedly involved stricter financial controls that required additional layers of approval before FEMA could fully deploy resources to the disaster zone. Critics argue this may have significantly delayed emergency relief efforts during the critical first hours.

Moscowitz urged Congress to investigate whether Secretary Noem’s policy directly contributed to the disaster’s impact, and whether changes are needed to prevent similar delays in future crises.

This is a breaking story, and further updates are expected in the coming hours.