Former FEMA Supervisor Marn’i Washington, one of the defendants in the lawsuit, advised her team to “avoid” Florida homes “advertising for Trump.” In her first interview after the fallout, cited in the trialShe told the Washington Examiner that this advice was encouraged and directed by her superiors and this policy was not exclusive to her teams.

The other defendant is FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, who will be questioned by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee at a hearing Tuesday on Capitol Hill. The lawsuit seeks punitive damages against both defendants for alleged violations of the civil rights of hurricane victims who were unable to receive the assistance they could have qualified for.

Republicans demand answers and accountability

“Hurricane season is not over, and the federal agency responsible for emergency response is now accused of withholding aid to Florida storm victims because of their political affiliation,” Moody said. “This lawsuit is a step toward accountability and ensuring emergency aid is provided fairly to all Americans, regardless of their political beliefs. »

Moody’s lawsuit comes the same day dozens of Republicans signed letters demanding answers and accountability from Criswell and FEMA over “discriminatory guidelines” to avoid homes displaying pro-Trump signs.

A letterLed by Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) and signed by all 35 Republican members of the committee, calls on FEMA to prepare a briefing on the question. before the November 19 hearing, during which Criswell will have to answer for his “failure of leadership”.

Another letterled by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and signed by 55 current and former House Republicans, demands that FEMA provide documents and information about its investigation into the matter, as well as steps taken to prevent further future discrimination and help residents who were ignored during disaster relief because of their political affiliation.

Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), who is a member of the Homeland Security Committee, which oversees FEMA, said THE Washington Examiner Wednesday, “It is reprehensible that the Biden administration has used FEMA as a weapon to deliberately deny Trump-supporting Americans critical aid and assistance during a natural disaster. »

He added: “We must hold those responsible to account and ensure that those affected receive the help to which they are rightfully entitled. »

“Scapegoat”: FEMA employees speak out

In his interview with the Washington ExaminerWashington said the “avoidance” policy was intended to “keep the team safe” following hostile encounters with property owners, which she said “happened” at homes displaying signs pro-Trump. She said FEMA made her a “scapegoat” and asked her to release incident reports showing where hostilities took place.

THE Washington Examiner filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the Department of Homeland Security for access to these reports and obtained communications confirming that Washington was supported and encouraged by his superiors to avoid certain streets deemed hostile.

Washington said, “I agree with the whistleblowers” ​​who leaked his tips.

“They tell you the truth,” she said, but the real problem is that FEMA employees are not getting the resources and protection they need to help every household.

Two additional FEMA sources corroborated his assertion that FEMA employees faced numerous threats during disaster recovery, forcing aid to be reduced to varying degrees.

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“A lot of people may have felt what (Washington) felt, but I don’t think anyone was stupid enough to put it in writing,” a senior FEMA official said. Washington Examiner.

THE Washington Examiner contacted Moody for comment.