Congress criticizes FEMA after flooding in Kerr County, claiming unanswered calls.
WASHINGTON D.C., DC — After the devastating Fourth of July flooding in Kerr County that claimed the lives of 137 people, FEMA is under intense scrutiny from members of Congress over its response to the disaster, including claims that thousands of calls from survivors went unanswered in the critical days that followed.
During a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing, lawmakers highlighted a New York Times report alleging FEMA failed to answer nearly two-thirds of survivor calls after the flooding. Rep. Laura Friedman criticized the agency’s performance, saying, “15.9% of calls being answered is the vast majority? That’s your benchmark now?”
FEMA’s Acting Administrator David Richardson pushed back: “I would have to agree with Secretary Noem, that’s fake news. The majority of the calls were answered. There was never a lapse in contract.”
But Friedman responded sharply: “That is absolutely not what the reports from these companies from the disaster say… I don’t see how you can deny these reports.”
Richardson also faced criticism for his absence on the ground during recovery efforts.
“You are the administrator of this critical agency,” said Rep. Greg Stanton. “You did not lead as you are required to by federal law. Worse, you seem uninterested to learn what went wrong… Do the victims and survivors in Texas deserve an apology?”
Richardson replied: “What happened in Texas was an absolute tragedy. It’s hard to fathom. I went to Texas. I flew over. My heart goes out to the people in Texas.”
Stanton didn’t accept the response: “That was intended as a yes or no question… This wasn’t just incompetence. It wasn’t just indifference. It was both, and that deadly combination likely cost lives.”
Despite the tension, Richardson did acknowledge FEMA must remove cumbersome processes and refocus on efficient response and recovery efforts.