Congressmen Krishnamoorthi, Landsman Lead Lawmakers Demanding DHS, FEMA End Unlawful Freeze of Emergency Food and Shelter Funds

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH) and 44 of their colleagues sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) demanding the immediate release of Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) funds that Congress has already appropriated and directed to be disbursed. The new letter follows previous letters on the issues led by Congressman Krishnamoorthi in August and Congressman Landsman in April.

In the letter, the Members warn that DHS and FEMA’s continued failure to release EFSP reimbursements is unlawful and is depriving local governments and nonprofit organizations of critical resources needed to keep families fed, housed, and alive. The Members note that nearly $117 million in EFSP funding was frozen in January 2025 and remains withheld a year later, despite a federal court order requiring the funds to be released.

EFSP is a long-standing, life-saving program that enables local governments and nonprofit organizations to provide shelter, food, and emergency assistance to individuals and families experiencing hunger or homelessness. By continuing to withhold these funds, local governments and organizations cannot aid families in crisis.

In the letter, Congressmen Krishnamoorthi and Landsman lay out the real-world consequences of these delays for communities nationwide, including in Illinois. In 2024, the EFSP provided over $5 million in funding to more than 70 counties. However, none of the promised funds have been disbursed, and organizations approved months ago are still waiting.

The letter also raises concern that these delays are occurring amid broader uncertainty about the future of FEMA, heightening anxiety among service providers already waiting for overdue EFSP dollars. 

Given the seriousness of DHS and FEMA’s actions, the Members are requesting answers to the following questions no later than February 26, 2026:

1. Under what statutory authority is FEMA withholding EFSP funds that Congress has already appropriated, obligated, and directed the agency to disburse? Please cite the exact legal provisions you believe permitted this continued delay.
2. GAO has concluded that FEMA’s refusal to release EFSP grants is unlawful and constitutes a violation of the Impoundment Control Act. What specific actions are FEMA taking to come into immediate compliance with this finding, and on what date will all overdue EFSP funds be fully disbursed?
3. If FEMA’s structure or responsibilities are modified, reduced, or dissolved, what binding assurances can you provide that EFSP recipients will receive timely notice and uninterrupted access to the federal support they have been promised? How will the Administration ensure continued assistance for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or food insecurity during any such transition?

The full letter is available here.