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.
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.
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.