Energy & Environment Noem’s spending review has held up more than 1,000 FEMA contracts, grants and awards, Dems say by Rachel Frazin - 03/04/26 5:00 AM ET by Rachel Frazin - 03/04/26 5:00 AM ET Share ✕ LinkedIn LinkedIn Email Email NOW PLAYING Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s policy of personally reviewing expenditures of more than $100,000 has held up more than 1,000 contracts, grants and awards at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), according to a new report from Senate Democrats. The report says that as of Sept. 8, Noem’s policy had delayed approval of or left approval pending for 1,034 contracts, grants or disaster assistance awards. It cites an internal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) tracker that it says was created in response to the policy and was provided to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee by whistleblowers. Democratic staff conducted an analysis that led to the 1,034 figure, according to the report. It noted that some of the delays were related to responses to disasters including last year’s Texas floods and 2024’s Hurricane Helene, which hit the Southeast U.S. “Secretary Noem’s policy of personally approving certain contracts is putting the safety of communities in need at risk,” said Sen. Gary Peters (Mich.) the Homeland Security committee’s top Democrat, in a written statement. “When disaster strikes, communities need critical assistance from FEMA as quickly as possible. These delays created by Secretary Noem’s directive are not only failing to make government more efficient, they are causing serious harm. The policy must end immediately,” he said. A DHS spokesperson said in a written statement that the policy was not causing delays. “Contrary to claims in the forthcoming report, there are no systemic delays. There is no evidence of a three-week average wait for aid decisions,” the spokesperson said. “In fact, Secretary Noem’s review process was specifically designed to break through bureaucratic red tape and expedite funding requests that had previously languished for years under prior administrations.” “FEMA continues to actively process and release billions in aid, including a recent allocation of $5 billion in disaster assistance,” the spokesperson added. “The Department remains committed to the FEMA mission of helping people before, during, and after disasters while ensuring every tax dollar is spent lawfully and effectively.” In the past, Noem has defended the review policy as preventing misuse of taxpayer dollars. “It’s not extra red tape. It’s making sure everything is getting to my level, and that it’s immediately responded to,” she  told NBC News  last year, saying it was about “accountability.” The review policy has been controversial. In a dissent letter last year, FEMA staff said “reduces FEMA’s authorities and capabilities to swiftly deliver our mission.” Last week, FEMA  said it was releasing more than $5 billion  in disaster assistance. A source told The Hill at that time that more than $10 billion in public assistance funds are still awaiting approval.  Add as preferred source on Google Tags Gary Peters Kristi Noem Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Share ✕ LinkedIn LinkedIn Email Email More Energy & Environment News See All Energy & Environment Leaked documents unveil new details on Trump’s review of history at national parks by Rachel Frazin 12 hours ago Energy & Environment  /  12 hours ago