U.S. Representative Vern Buchanan has expressed support for the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) investigation into allegations that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff discriminated against Florida residents based on political beliefs after hurricanes in 2024.
Buchanan stated, “Under the Biden administration, FEMA officials engaged in blatant political discrimination by refusing aid to Floridians displaying Trump signs following last year’s back-to-back hurricanes. This was a disgraceful abuse of power that put lives and property at risk for purely partisan reasons. I was proud to lead a letter last year demanding answers, and now that the truth is coming to light, those responsible must be held fully accountable. If criminal conduct occurred, they should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. No American should be denied emergency assistance because of their political beliefs.”
The DHS investigation comes after Buchanan sent a letter in November 2024 with signatures from 54 House colleagues seeking explanations and accountability regarding reports that FEMA staff withheld storm relief from homes displaying campaign signs for President Trump.
Vern Buchanan has served as a member of the U.S. Congress representing Florida’s 16th district since 2007, following his tenure in the Florida House of Representatives and succeeding Katherine Harris in Congress. He was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1951 and currently resides in Sarasota. Buchanan holds degrees from Cleary University and the University of Detroit Mercy.
Recent related developments include FEMA terminating three supervisors after Buchanan called for accountability and further calls from Buchanan and other officials demanding transparency regarding FEMA’s actions.
