GOP rep shuts down Maria Bartiromo’s false claims: 'FEMA is not out of money'

As Donald Trump continues to spew false claims about the federal response to Hurricane Helene victims across North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, there's a bipartisan effort to shut down misinformation and disinformation, which experts say does nothing but harm to those affected by the disaster.

Speaking with Rep. French Hill (R-AR) on Tuesday, Fox News host Maria Bartiromo parroted the claim that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is "out of money" to millions of viewers.

"You are an elected official. You know where and how money is spent," Bartiromo said to Hill, asking, "How is it possible FEMA is out of money? You're watching pictures of them hanging from trees. They've lost everything. How is it that FEMA is out of money?"

READ MORE: Biden calls Trump a 'liar' as administration hits back over false Helene response attacks

Hill replied, "FEMA is not out of money, and this was made clear by the inspector general report, saying that [Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro] Mayorkas has access to nearly $8 billion of funding from the FEMA disaster relief funds accumulated since 2012."

The Arkansas lawmaker continued, "Plus, as I've said, and as [House Speaker] Mike Johnson has said, Congress is ready to replenish that funding as soon as we get back to Washington. They have the money to take care of Florida, take care of North Carolina, take care of Georgia. And they need to get about delivering it, and listen to what their governors are asking, and delivering those governors' requests."

During Harris' visit to Georgia last week, the 2024 Democratic nominee said "the federal relief and assistance that we have been providing has included FEMA providing $750 for folks who need immediate needs being met, such as food, baby formula, and the like. And you can apply now."

She added, "FEMA is also providing tens of thousands more dollars for folks to help them be able to deal with home repair, to be able to cover a deductible when and if they have insurance, and also hotel costs."

READ MORE: 'A distraction': CNN’s Tapper methodically debunks Trump’s lies about federal hurricane response

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