Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has strongly denied accusations that she delayed the federal response to the recent deadly floods in Texas. Noem criticized CNN for reporting that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) slowed the deployment of critical resources, calling the report "fake news" and "absolutely trash." She asserted that the Coast Guard, Border Patrol, and BORTAC teams were deployed immediately to assist. However, reports indicate that deployments were delayed due to a budget restriction requiring Noem's approval for every purchase, contract, and grant exceeding $100,000. Critics, including former emergency management officials and members of Congress, have expressed concern over FEMA's handling of the disaster and called for investigations into the delayed response. Additionally, there are concerns that 40 days into hurricane season, there is still no preparedness plan from Noem and FEMA, with added bureaucratic hurdles potentially putting lives and communities at risk.