WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives today unanimously approved an amendment offered by Congressman Adam Putnam (FL-12) to H.R. 1817, the Homeland Security Authorization Act of 2005, that would ensure FEMA payments for funerals in natural disasters are in fact due to natural disasters.

“Immediately after Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne ravaged the Sunshine State, Congress, with the help of the entire delegation, was able to quickly provide hurricane disaster relief to Florida,” said Putnam. “While many of our constituents are still recovering from the damage and awaiting FEMA payments, the Office of the Inspector General has indicated that some of the disaster money has gone to those who did not suffer due disaster-related causes”

The Medical Examiner certified 123 deaths from the storms, yet FEMA has paid funeral reimbursements for 323 deaths.  Funeral payments have been made for deaths associated with AIDS, Cancer, and Parkinson’s Disease months following the hurricanes.  In one case, someone died of lung cancer 6 days before a hurricane hit landfall, yet the taxpayers paid for funeral expenses.”

A Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Report released today stated, “FEMA did not have criteria for determining whether deaths”- including cited deaths from a pool drowning, arthritis and gout, and traffic accident involving speeding “were disaster-related and eligible for funding.” The Inspector General’s report concluded the funerals payments “were insufficiently documented to establish the deaths as disaster related.” 

“My amendment would address this by requiring, within 90 days, the Director of FEMA to develop criteria and guidelines for determining if a death is disaster-related, and require FEMA to provide documentation for granting funeral assistance,” said Putnam.

“According to the IG Report, FEMA gave approximately $31 million in disaster relief aid to 12,000 Florida residents who were not directly affected by hurricane Frances. This is outrageous and unacceptable,” said Putnam. “While many of my constituents are still suffering in the aftermath of the tragic hurricanes, FEMA is handing out checks to those who have not suffered at all. It is time that FEMA is held accountable for their actions.”

“Congress moved quickly to provide emergency funds to help the victims of last year’s hurricanes,” concluded Putnam.  “We must ensure accountability and protect the integrity of valuable disaster aid programs.”

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