Skip to Content

Press Releases

Representative Carter Leads Republican Members in Calling Out Biden Administration for Mishandling Taxpayer Dollars

Washington, November 9, 2023
Representative John Carter (R-TX-31) led 15 Republican members in sending a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calling out the mishandling of $73.4 million taxpayer dollars to local recipient organizations (LROs).
Representative John Carter (R-TX-31) led 15 Republican members in sending a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calling out the mishandling of $73.4 million taxpayer dollars to local recipient organizations (LROs). A recent DHS Office of Inspector General report describes deviations and questionable spending by LROs responsible for migrant humanitarian relief and highlights FEMA's lack of oversight over taxpayer dollars.
 
Congressman John Carter said, "Under President Biden, our border is in shambles. The American people deserve to know that their hard-earned tax dollars are being used effectively to handle this ongoing crisis. I look forward to Secretary Mayorkas' plan to rectify the misuse of the people's money."

Co-signers of the letter include Representatives Jodey Arrington (TX-19), Brian Babin (TX-36), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Ken Calvert (CA-41), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Scott Franklin (FL-18), Lance Gooden (TX-05), Kay Granger (TX-12), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), John Moolenaar (MI-02), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Keith Self (TX-03), Pete Sessions (TX-17), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), and Randy Weber (TX-14).
 
Dear Secretary Mayorkas:

I am troubled by a recent DHS Office of Inspector General report that identified deviations from humanitarian relief fund guidelines by local recipient organizations (LROs), leading to the mishandling of $66 million and $7.4 million in questionable spending due to missing documentation. This report also cited instances where LROs provided services to ineligible individuals, raising concerns about FEMA's ability to ensure proper fund utilization, indicating the potential for misuse of taxpayer dollars if DHS continues relying on LROs.
 
In light of this DHS OIG report, the recent announcement regarding the distribution of more than $12.2 million in Congressionally approved funding in the FEMA Shelters and Services Program (SSP) for communities receiving migrants has raised significant apprehensions among Americans. The involvement of LROs in the illegal migrant process necessitates improved coordination and oversight to ensure better utilization of taxpayer resources.
 
With these concerns in mind, I respectfully request your prompt response to the following questions:
 
  1. What mechanisms are in place to ensure the effective and transparent use of allocated funds by LROs?
  2. How is the Department of Homeland Security diligently monitoring the impact and outcomes of these grants? What are the metrics for success?
  3. .How are underperforming LROs held accountable?

Americans deserve assurances that their hard-earned tax dollars are used wisely and effectively to address the challenges at our southern border. Your timely response to these inquiries will significantly aid our efforts to provide oversight and make informed decisions to preserve our nation's security.
 
Thank you for your attention to these critical matters.

Newsletter Subscription

Stay Connected

Add your email to get the latest updates