Summary
After severe floods in Texas in July 2025, many people couldn't reach a federal aid hotline because funding for the call centers was delayed by five days. The delay happened because the Department of Homeland Security had not approved the necessary funding on time. During these five days, most calls from people looking for help went unanswered.
Key Facts
- Severe flooding hit Texas Hill Country in early July 2025.
- Calls from flood survivors went mostly unanswered between July 6th and July 10th.
- The delay was due to a five-day lapse in funding for FEMA call centers.
- The Department of Homeland Security oversees FEMA and approves its large funding requests.
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was responsible for signing off on funding requests over $100,000.
- During the funding lapse, FEMA answered only about 15,000 out of 55,000 calls.
- On July 10th, funding was approved, and the call centers were properly staffed again.
