The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is seeking $8 million in repayment from New Jersey residents that were effected by superstorm Sandy. FEMA states that these funds were improperly disbursed and given to individuals who were not eligible for disaster aid. In this Asbury Park Press article, Ernie Abbott, a former top lawyer for FEMA who now represents municipalities in post-disaster negotiations with the agency, says FEMA's governmental watchdog has been empowered by a surge in funding thanks to a Congress that puts a high priority on a slimmer national deficit and debt.
"Frequently you will hear 'If we could only stop the waste, fraud and abuse we could be restored to an even financial keel'," Mr. Abbott said. "Well, the way you stop waste fraud and abuse is to give more money to the (U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector General)."
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