WASHINGTON - Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and U.S. Representative Michael Cloud (R-Texas) today introduced the End FEMA Benefits for Illegal Immigrants Act to stop taxpayer dollars from funding luxury hotels and services for illegal immigrants.
“While American citizens recovering from disaster struggle to make ends meet, FEMA has spent billions of dollars on hotel stays, flights, and food for illegal immigrants,” said Risch. “The End FEMA Benefits for Illegal Immigrants Act stops this insanity, reins in FEMA’s wasteful spending, and refocuses the agency on serving American citizens facing disasters.”
“FEMA exists to serve American citizens in times of crisis, not to bankroll benefits for illegal immigrants,” said Cloud. “With disaster response resources already stretched thin, the last thing FEMA should be doing is funding hotel rooms, flights, and food for those who broke our laws to enter this country. President Trump made it clear that taxpayer money should not be used to encourage illegal immigration. This legislation follows through on that priority and ensures FEMA gets back to its original mission—helping American communities rebuild and recover.”
The End FEMA Benefits for Illegal Immigrants Act would terminate the Shelter and Services Program (SSP) administered by FEMA. The SSP provides grant funding to non-federal entities that offer support services to illegal immigrants. Since the program launched in Fiscal Year 2023, FEMA has awarded $1.45 billion in SSP grants. This money has been spent on hotel rooms, including housekeeping services, flights, parking, food, and other benefits for illegal immigrants.
Eliminating the SSP supports President Trump’s January 24, 2025, executive order calling for the full-scale review of FEMA and ensures the agency does not facilitate or incentivize illegal immigration.
Risch and Cloud are joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and six members of the House of Representatives in cosponsoring the End FEMA Benefits for Illegal Immigrants Act.
