In a bold move, Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced a new bill aimed at terminating FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program (SSP), which has been providing shelter and aid to undocumented immigrants. Mace and other critics argue that the program misuses taxpayer dollars, diverting funds that could otherwise support American citizens in need of disaster relief. With natural disasters like Hurricane Helene leaving widespread devastation, Mace’s bill seeks to redirect unspent SSP funds to help Americans recover from such crises.
The SSP, designed to provide temporary shelter and services for undocumented immigrants, has come under fire from conservative lawmakers who argue that FEMA’s resources should be exclusively focused on natural disaster recovery. The program, which received $650 million in funding for fiscal year 2024, is being characterized as wasteful by Mace, who believes that the government’s priorities are skewed.
“It’s unacceptable for Americans to grapple with the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Helene while the federal government remains fixated on spending hundreds of millions on a program sheltering illegal immigrants instead of helping our own citizens,” Mace stated. “Kamala Harris and Alejandro Mayorkas have turned FEMA into a migrant resettlement agency. It’s time to end this mess.”
Mace’s bill, if passed, would terminate the SSP immediately and reallocate all unspent funds toward disaster recovery, particularly for those affected by Hurricane Helene. The Category 4 storm caused significant destruction across several states, including parts of North Carolina, where small towns like Bat Cave were left to fend for themselves without sufficient federal assistance.
Mace, like many of her Republican colleagues, believes that FEMA’s primary responsibility is to aid U.S. citizens affected by natural disasters, not to allocate resources for immigrants. She views the SSP as an unnecessary diversion of funds that could otherwise help rebuild communities and provide immediate relief to Americans who have lost their homes, livelihoods, and, in some cases, loved ones.
“Our bill will make sure funds meant for disaster relief are utilized where they are needed most—actual disaster relief,” Mace said.
The congresswoman’s criticism comes amid growing dissatisfaction among some Americans about how the federal government is handling immigration and disaster response. With an increasing number of natural disasters occurring each year, FEMA’s resources are stretched thin, and critics argue that spending on programs like the SSP detracts from its core mission.
Mace’s stance is not without support. Many Republican lawmakers have expressed concern about the current administration’s handling of immigration, accusing officials of placing the needs of undocumented immigrants over those of American citizens. The criticism has been particularly sharp in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has left towns and cities across the Southeast struggling to rebuild.
While FEMA is traditionally known for responding to disasters, Mace and other critics argue that its involvement in immigration services through the SSP has led to a dilution of its primary role. By terminating the program, Mace hopes to refocus FEMA’s efforts solely on disaster recovery, ensuring that more resources are available to Americans affected by hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters.
The congresswoman’s bill also highlights the larger debate about federal spending on immigration versus domestic issues. With the Biden administration prioritizing humanitarian aid for migrants at the southern border, Republicans like Mace believe that the government is neglecting its own citizens, particularly those in disaster-stricken areas.
In her statement, Mace specifically called out Vice President Kamala Harris and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, accusing them of transforming FEMA into a “migrant resettlement agency.” Mace’s fiery rhetoric reflects the frustration among conservatives who feel that immigration is being mishandled at the federal level, especially at a time when domestic crises are mounting.
As the bill moves forward, it is likely to face opposition from Democrats, who have largely supported FEMA’s role in providing humanitarian assistance to undocumented immigrants. They argue that the SSP is an essential part of the country’s broader response to the ongoing immigration crisis, particularly given the influx of migrants arriving at the southern border.
However, Mace and her supporters counter that FEMA’s limited resources should be reserved for disaster recovery, especially given the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters. They point to Hurricane Helene and other recent events, such as the wildfires in Maui, as examples of where federal funds could have been better allocated.
Mace’s bill comes at a critical time, as many Americans are questioning the government’s priorities and whether federal funds are being used effectively. With the 2024 election looming, immigration and disaster response are likely to remain hot-button issues, and Mace’s proposal could become a rallying point for Republicans seeking to reshape the federal government’s role in both areas.
For now, residents of towns like Bat Cave, North Carolina, remain in desperate need of help, and Mace hopes that by terminating FEMA’s SSP, those affected by Hurricane Helene and other disasters will finally get the assistance they need.
As the debate continues, Mace’s bill is sure to spark further conversation about how FEMA allocates its resources and whether immigration services should be part of its mission moving forward.