Bill Lee: “this amendment asks us to believe a lie, and the lie is that FEMA provides nonpartisan disaster relief. Until a few…”

“this amendment asks us to believe a lie, and the lie is that FEMA provides nonpartisan disaster relief. Until a few months ago, many of us hoped and expected that that would be the case. Alas, it was not. During a contentious election cycle and in the wake of catastrophic damage by hurricanes and amidst lawfare galore, FEMA officials directed its relief workers to avoid giving aid to Florida homes displaying Trump signs. One FEMA official, speaking on a condition of remaining anonymous, said that it is a longstanding practice and an open secret to avoid White or conservative-dominated areas. Several FEMA officials have been fired since the investigation is ongoing. My counterpart from Florida, Representative Steube, has reported 35 credible claims of widespread discrimination against conservatives. This kind of behavior is reprehensible, and it is un- American. Look, the amendment is a clear attempt to paper over this egregious malpractice of a rogue and unaccountable Agency. President Trump was right when he said FEMA should not have the central role providing disaster relief. FEMA needs to get out of the way and let States handle disaster recovery. We are not going to paper over it. Not now, not ever. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator's time has expired. Vote on Amendment No. 1774 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question now occurs on the adoption of the amendment.”