DHS Secretary Noem's $100,000 Approval Policy Under Scrutiny Following Texas Flood Response

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem is facing calls for an investigation into a cost-control policy that critics allege hindered the federal response to devastating floods in Texas. Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) formally requested that the DHS Inspector General launch a probe into the policy, which mandates Noem's personal approval for all contracts and grants exceeding $100,000 within the department, including those managed by FEMA. The severe flooding in Texas tragically resulted in over 120 fatalities.

Reports indicate that this stringent approval process created significant logistical hurdles for FEMA, preventing the timely pre-positioning of critical resources and the rapid activation of essential response teams during the emergency. The senators' letter emphasized the urgency required in disaster situations, stating, "A disaster response system that must wait for one official’s signature is unacceptable and designed to fail." They further asserted that "The American people deserve answers and more importantly, they deserve accountability."

Secretary Noem has vehemently denied claims that her policy slowed the federal government's disaster relief efforts. She defended the measure as a necessary step for "accountability on contracts that go forward," dismissing anonymous reports suggesting delays as "completely wrong." In an interview on NBC’s "Meet the Press," Noem stated, "The response time was immediate," adding that those involved in the Texas operation would confirm the federal government and President Trump responded without delay.

Amidst the controversy, Senator Ruben Gallego took to social media to voice sharp criticism of Noem's management. In a tweet, Gallego stated, > "If this kind of mismanagement happened in the private sector, Noem would’ve already been out of a job." This direct comparison underscores the perceived severity of the alleged operational failures and the demand for greater accountability in government. Noem was confirmed as DHS Secretary in July 2025, bringing her cost-cutting initiatives to the federal agency.