Congressman Krishnamoorthi, Oversight Leaders Demand Release of Emergency Shelter and Food Funds Withheld by Trump Administration

WASHINGTON – On Friday, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) joined two of his Oversight Committee colleagues in demanding answers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem regarding the Trump administration’s unlawful refusal to release nearly $117 million in Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) funds. The funding, which was appropriated by Congress and frozen without explanation in January 2025, remains blocked despite a federal court order on March 6, 2025, directing FEMA to release it. FEMA has offered no legal justification for its inaction, citing only a vague “manual review.” The letter was sent by Congressman Krishnamoorthi, Ranking Member of the Oversight Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services; Oversight Committee Ranking Member Robert Garcia (D-CA); and Government Operations Subcommittee Ranking Member Kweisi Mfume (D-MD).

“In Illinois alone, more than 70 counties rely on EFSP funds to keep people in their homes, feed families, and provide shelter to those in crisis,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “The Trump administration’s refusal to release this funding, despite a federal court order, is an unconscionable dereliction of duty that puts vulnerable Americans at risk. Every day this funding is withheld, more families face eviction, more children go hungry, and more shelters are forced to turn people away. This is not just a bureaucratic delay; it’s a humanitarian failure.”

Established over 40 years ago, EFSP has distributed more than $6.5 billion to 14,000 providers across 2,500 communities. The program funds critical emergency services, including food, shelter, rent and mortgage assistance, and utility aid. It is overseen by a National Board chaired by FEMA and composed of major national relief organizations such as the United Way, Catholic Charities USA, the American Red Cross, and the Salvation Army.

In their letter, the lawmakers demanded a complete and unredacted update on the status of the funds, as well as answers to key legal and operational questions by August 15, 2025. They also called on FEMA to immediately resume disbursement to ensure communities and families are not left behind.

Background:

• EFSP funding was frozen by the Trump Administration in January 2025.
• A federal judge ordered FEMA to release the funds on March 6, 2025.
• FEMA continues to withhold the funds, citing a “manual review” with no timeline or legal basis.
• In 2024, EFSP provided over $5 million to more than 70 counties in Illinois, over $18 million to more than 50 counties in California, and over $1 million to communities in 8 Maryland counties.
• The House Oversight Committee has jurisdiction to investigate “any matter” at “any time” under House Rule X.

A full copy of the letter is available here.