3 Shutdowns, 120+ Days: FEMA Says Funding Lapses Delayed COVID Payouts

A Center Square investigation into the Los Angeles Opera, which received more than $1 million in FEMA grants and about $26 million in other taxpayer-funded grants, drew a late response from FEMA. The agency said it is 95% finished closing out its COVID-19 Public Assistance program and expects to recover $1 billion this year. That program reimburses agencies, health care facilities and nonprofits for COVID tests, masks and cleaning supplies dating to 2023 or earlier. FEMA blamed “reckless Democrats in Congress” for three funding lapses totaling more than 120 days during the fight over DHS and ICE funding. FEMA also cited “rigorous internal processes” to prevent payments to fraudulent recipients. Sen. John Fetterman wrote in April that once reviews are complete, there is “no excuse” for red tape slowing disbursements. FEMA has not answered The Center Square’s follow-up questions.