On Friday, Fox News revealed why the White House has refused to send aid to East Palestine, Ohio following a request by Governor Mike DeWine (R-OH) for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
As previously reported by the DC Enquirer, Governor Mike DeWine (R-OH) has reached out to the federal government for help but has been stonewalled by the Biden administration which is seemingly unwilling to aid the fledgling community.
“Ohio Governor Mike DeWine spoke with officials at the White House early this morning to address the need for federal help,” DeWine said in a statement. “As a result of this conversation, the Governor has requested assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health and Emergency Response Team, and the CDC to provide on-the-ground assistance in East Palestine.”
“The DeWine Administration has been in daily contact with FEMA to discuss the need for federal support, however, FEMA continues to tell Governor DeWine that Ohio is not eligible for assistance at this time,” the Ohio executive explained. “Governor DeWine will continue working with FEMA to determine what assistance can be provided.”
I spoke w/ the White House early this morning to address the need for federal help in East Palestine. As a result of this conversation, I have requested assistance from the U.S. Dept of Health/Human Services, Health & Emergency Response Team, & CDC to provide direct support.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) February 16, 2023
In order to justify their actions, a government official exclusively told Fox News that FEMA just isn’t equipped to handle the disaster in northeastern Ohio.
“The Biden Administration is mobilizing a robust, multi-agency effort to support the people of East Palestine, Ohio. Since February 3, the Environmental Protection Agency has had personnel on the ground,” a government official told Fox News. “FEMA is coordinating with the emergency operations center working closely with the Ohio Emergency Management Agency.”
“But what East Palestine needs is much more expansive than what FEMA can provide,” they continued. “FEMA is on the frontlines when there is a hurricane or tornado. This situation is different.”
In response to this revelation, Sen. Josh Hawley, who has expressed concern that the chemicals contamination of the Ohio River could affect states downstream, tweeted, “This makes zero sense. Biden White House says Ohio needs lots of assistance … and therefore they are denying them FEMA aid. Brain dead.”
This makes zero sense. Biden White House says Ohio needs lots of assistance … and therefore they are denying them FEMA aid. Brain deadhttps://t.co/3kNv6ajbgY
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) February 17, 2023
Ohio lawmakers feel the same way as Hawley. On Friday, the entire Ohio congressional delegation, 11 Republicans and six Democrats, sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell demanding answers as to why their constituents aren’t receiving the aid they need.
“Despite the severity of the wreckage, chemical release, and the disruption to the lives of local residents we have just been informed that Ohio apparently does not meet the eligibility threshold for FEMA assistance at this time,” the lawmakers wrote. “We respectfully request that you provide a detailed response as to why the residents of this community do not qualify for assistance from your agency.”
Today, I led the entire #Ohio congressional delegation in sending a letter to @FEMA urging them to provide assistance to help the people of East Palestine after the train derailment. pic.twitter.com/LLDbYs2TL1
— Rep. Bill Johnson (@RepBillJohnson) February 16, 2023
“We look forward to your prompt response and your commitment to use any available federal resources to help the suffering residents of this small, rural community,” the bipartisan group concluded.
As the White House continues to conduct reputational damage control for Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg over the disaster, the people of East Palestine are suffering. FEMA needs to provide assistance to these families and President Biden must utilize the resources of the federal government to solve this crisis.
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