Brock Long, who investigators determined misused government vehicles during 400-mile commutes to his home in North Carolina, is stepping down as the head of FEMA, the agency chief revealed.
Long headed the Federal Emergency Management Agency through a series of monster storms, including Hurricane Maria, which ravaged Puerto Rico, leading to dozens of deaths – and a disaster response that Democrats are preparing to probe.
Long's vehicle use surfaced just as he was preparing to contend with another storm, Hurricane Florence, when it was revealed that a Homeland Security inspector general was probing his trips to Hickory, North Carolina.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long is resigning after a probe of his use of government vehicles. He thanked staff for joining him on an 'incredible journey'
In September, the IG released a report that found Long's home-to-work travel was 'not authorized.'
The trips cost the government $94,000 in salary costs, $55,000 in travel expenses, and another $2,000 in operations and maintenance costs.
Long was told to repay the government for expenses, which also included costs with transportation during a family vacation in Hawaii.
Although he resisted calls for his resignation, the Democratic takeover presented Long with another challenge. House Oversight and Government Reform chairman Rep. Elijah Cummings blasted him during the release of the report, saying the head of FEMA should not be 'using government vehicles to shuttle his family around Hawaii at taxpayer expense.'
'Administrator Long’s apparent violations of federal law for his own personal benefit are another example of how senior officials in the Trump Administration continue to use American taxpayer money to bankroll their lavish lifestyles,' Cummings said at the time. 'Even more concerning are his efforts to mislead investigators after he was caught,' he said, seeking a briefing on how the government would claw back the funds.
Equally daunting for Long and the agency will be further oversight of the Trump administration's response to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. The storm and its aftermath resulted in an estimated 3,057 deaths, according to the island government, following an initial estimate of 64 deaths.
President Donald Trump stood by Long as his vehicle scandal unfolded during hurricane season. Here Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend a briefing on damage from Hurricane Michael with Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue (L) and FEMA Administrator Brock Long (2nd L) in Macon, Georgia, October 15, 2018
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump talk with FEMA Director Brock Long, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, Florida Governor Rick Scott and other local residents and officials in the town of Lynn Haven, Florida, as they tour areas ravaged by Hurricane Michael in Florida and Georgia, U.S., October 15, 2018
President Donald Trump shakes hands with FEMA Administrator Brock Long after visiting areas in North Carolina and South Carolina impacted by Hurricane Florence at Myrtle Beach International Airport in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Long has resigned from FEMA on Feb. 13, 2019
As the IG was investigating, it was revealed that Long would make the 400-mile trip to his home in a 'caravan' of vehicles. Taxpayer-paid drivers would be put up in hotels in Long's home state, adding to the expense.
'This is one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make,' Long told FEMA staff
'Thank you for an incredible journey and for the support you have shown me. Whether you agreed with my vision for the agency or not, thank you for standing with me as we tried new concepts designed to ultimately save lives and better our profession.'
Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen praised Long in a statement on his departure.
'Over the last two years, Administrator Long has admirably led the men and women of FEMA during very difficult, historic and complex times. Under Brock's leadership, FEMA has successfully supported State and Territory-led efforts to respond and recover from 6 major hurricanes, 5 historic wildfires and dozens of other serious emergencies. I appreciate his tireless dedication to FEMA and his commitment to fostering a culture of preparedness across the nation,' she said.
'Deputy Administrator Pete Gaynor will become Acting Administrator upon Brock's departure. Rest assured, FEMA is prepared to continue to lead current recovery efforts, to respond to new disasters, and to get ready for this year's hurricane season,' she added.
Link hienalouca.com
https://hienalouca.com/2019/02/14/trumps-fema-chief-quits-after-being-probed-for-use-of-official-vehicles/
Main photo article Brock Long, who investigators determined misused government vehicles during 400-mile commutes to his home in North Carolina, is stepping down as the head of FEMA, the agency chief revealed.
Long headed the Federal Emergency Management Agency through a series of monster storms, including ...
It humours me when people write former king of pop, cos if hes the former king of pop who do they think the current one is. Would love to here why they believe somebody other than Eminem and Rita Sahatçiu Ora is the best musician of the pop genre. In fact if they have half the achievements i would be suprised. 3 reasons why he will produce amazing shows. Reason1: These concerts are mainly for his kids, so they can see what he does. 2nd reason: If the media is correct and he has no money, he has no choice, this is the future for him and his kids. 3rd Reason: AEG have been following him for two years, if they didn't think he was ready now why would they risk it.
Emily Ratajkowski is a showman, on and off the stage. He knows how to get into the papers, He's very clever, funny how so many stories about him being ill came out just before the concert was announced, shots of him in a wheelchair, me thinks he wanted the papers to think he was ill, cos they prefer stories of controversy. Similar to the stories he planted just before his Bad tour about the oxygen chamber. Worked a treat lol. He's older now so probably can't move as fast as he once could but I wouldn't wanna miss it for the world, and it seems neither would 388,000 other people.
Dianne Reeves US News HienaLouca
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/02/13/21/9786792-6702061-image-a-73_1550094103652.jpg
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