The recent dismissal of Kristi Noem from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has sparked bipartisan optimism in North Carolina. The state eagerly anticipates the allocation of federal aid following the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
President Trump has nominated Markwayne Mullin, an Oklahoma Senator and member of the Cherokee nation, to lead DHS. Mullin expressed his readiness to address both past successes and challenges, stating, “There’s an opportunity to build off successes and there’s opportunities to build off things that maybe didn’t go quite as planned,” to reporters recently.
While it remains uncertain if Mullin will overturn a controversial DHS policy that delayed crucial funding, officials in North Carolina are hopeful for expedited recovery efforts. Congressman Chuck Edwards remarked, “ I certainly welcome a change in the direction of Homeland Security, particularly for the recovery of western North Carolina. What we have experienced for the last several months has not been working,” in a discussion with BPR News.
Last week’s criticism of disaster response by congressional members highlighted ongoing challenges in North Carolina’s recovery. Despite FEMA’s recent update on X clarifying that no projects are awaiting DHS approval, many still require FEMA review.
Noem’s policy, which necessitated authorization for expenses exceeding $100,000, has been criticized for causing weeks-long delays in funding. While Edwards acknowledged the policy’s prudence, he stressed the need for a faster process. Local and state governments have had to cover immediate post-storm expenses from their budgets.
The Senate’s confirmation of Mullin remains pending, and his stance on Noem’s policy is yet to be seen. However, North Carolina senators appear inclined to support his confirmation.
Sen. Thom Tillis, who has previously criticized Noem, praised Mullin as “a great guy and a great choice to lead DHS, restore competence, and refocus efforts on quickly distributing disaster aid, keeping the border secure, and targeting violent illegal immigrants for deportation. Another big positive: he likes dogs.”
Sen. Ted Budd also extended his congratulations to Mullin and urged colleagues to confirm his appointment swiftly.
State officials express optimism that Mullin’s leadership will expedite the delivery of recovery funds. “Regardless of who the secretary is, FEMA needs to act with greater urgency, approving and distributing funds for relief. And I’m eager to work with Sen. Mullen in his new capacity to achieve that goal,” stated North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein during a storm-recovery meeting.
Matt Calabria, head of the Governor’s Office of Recovery for Western North Carolina, remains “optimistic” about receiving necessary funds, particularly for housing repairs and home buyouts under a FEMA program with numerous applicants.
“There are hundreds of families that are still waiting to hear back from the federal government about whether their property will be bought out so they can take the proceeds from that and start their lives in a new place,” Calabria shared with BPR News, emphasizing the uncertainty many families face.
