Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, has sent a letter to DHS secretary Janet Napolitano raising questions about the department’s ability to adequately monitor and oversee stimulus funding under the Recovery Act.
She cited a recent DHS inspector general report identifying challenges facing TSA and FEMA grant programs – which account for about 58 percent of $2.75 billion in DHS Recovery Act funds – noting that agency officials say they lack adequate staff to properly award and oversee the grant awards.
The letter seeks clarification on the grant funding selection process and staffing shortfalls, as well as whether any grant money has been withdrawn due to subsequent failures to meet program requirements.
"The DHS IG has found disturbing evidence of glaring gaps in the administration and oversight of taxpayer dollars," said Collins, adding, “Agency officials actually predicted a decreased level of oversight and scrutiny of Recovery Act funds and agreements, going forward.”
