Vice President J.D. Vance pledged Monday to cut the red tape hampering federal disaster relief efforts during a visit to the storm-hit town of Damascus, Virginia.
Criticizing government inefficiency, Vance called out how bureaucratic roadblocks slowed the response to natural disasters like Hurricane Helene.
Speaking to locals, volunteers, lawmakers, and business leaders, Vance made his frustration over the sluggishness known.
“The bureaucracy and the red tape is not an excuse for the government to not do its job,” he told reporters.
He admitted the government isn’t perfect but promised improvement.
“We’re not going to be perfect. We never will be. Government is as fallible as the people who run it, but we can do a heck of a lot better than we have over the last few years, and that is something that President Trump and I are committed to doing.”
One of the concerns Vance raised was the significant gap—around $90,000—between the relief funds disaster victims could apply for and the average cost of repairing their homes.
He pointed out that funds are available but stuck in bureaucratic limbo.
“Now, to be clear, the continued resolution that was passed just a few weeks ago actually does have the resources to fill that gap,” he stated.
“But only if the bureaucrats get out of the way and actually make sure that people get the money that they’re entitled to that the American people have decided that we want to contribute and we want to fund this incredible redevelopment, but it’s got to happen quicker than it’s been happening with the bureaucracy in Washington,” Vance said.
Vance also tackled housing issues in North Carolina, saying FEMA policies had prevented temporary housing from being established in specific areas.
“I think one of the takeaways of just my time the last week being the people’s vice president is they should have higher expectations for their federal government,” he said.
During his trip to Damascus, Vance met with Governor Glenn Youngkin, who expressed gratitude for the visit.
“For honoring your word and returning to Damascus for your first official visit. Your commitment to Southwest Virginia and leadership in advancing Hurricane Helene recovery efforts to rebuild and strengthen our community are deeply appreciated,” Youngkin said in a statement.
Meanwhile, President Trump directed attention to FEMA, signing an executive order on Friday to investigate what he labeled as “political bias” within the agency.
The order followed reports of questionable actions by FEMA supervisor Marn’i Washington, who allegedly told relief workers in Lake Placid, Florida, to ignore homes displaying support for Trump.
“There are serious concerns of political bias in FEMA,” Trump wrote. “Indeed, at least one former FEMA responder has stated that FEMA managers directed her to avoid homes of individuals supporting the campaign of Donald J. Trump for President.”
The executive order launched a probe into FEMA’s operations, including claims it allocated staff and funds to causes beyond its scope.
Trump criticized the agency for spending over a billion dollars on services for illegal immigrants.
The order tasked a 20-member council, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, to thoroughly evaluate FEMA’s practices.
Among their responsibilities, the council will propose reforms, survey stakeholders affected by natural disasters, and compile a report on FEMA’s disaster response process and areas for improvement.
The investigation aims to ensure FEMA better serves Americans in times of need. “Americans deserve an immediate, effective, and impartial response to and recovery from disasters,” Trump reiterated.
According to the executive order, the council will not only review FEMA’s current operations but also recommend restructuring and policy changes to enhance resilience and preparedness across the nation.
“FEMA therefore requires a full-scale review, by individuals highly experienced at effective disaster response and recovery, who shall recommend to the President improvements or structural changes to promote the national interest and enable national resilience,” the order states.
Watch Vance’s full remarks here:
We all know those bureaucrats have Swiss bank accounts for those fund that are supposed to be for the people who need the funds 😉