New DHS Boss Rescinds $100,000 Approval Process, Aiding FEMA Relief Efforts

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Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has rescinded a rule implemented by his predecessor Kristi Noem that required DHS expenditures over $100,000 to be personally approved by his office. The move is expected to ease a spending bottleneck that lawmakers and states said delayed disaster response and recovery funds, though those impacts are unlikely to be widely felt until after the end of the DHS shutdown.

Why it matters

The approval rule had created an 'untenable situation for emergency managers' and a bottleneck that hindered FEMA's ability to prepare for and respond to natural and man-made disasters across the U.S. The policy was criticized for delaying over 1,000 FEMA contracts, grants or disaster reimbursements by September, putting Americans at increased risk.

The details

Mullin's decision marks the first major action by the new Homeland Security leader, who was sworn in last week to replace Kristi Noem, whom President Donald Trump fired in March. A DHS spokesperson said Mullin's action will streamline the contracting process and allocate aid more efficiently. The International Association of Emergency Managers praised Mullin's 'common-sense approach' to the matter.

• Noem issued the $100,000 approval directive last June.
• By September, the policy had delayed at least 1,000 FEMA contracts, grants or disaster reimbursements.
• Mullin was sworn in as the new Homeland Security Secretary last week.
• Mullin rescinded the $100,000 approval rule on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Republican lawmakers have signaled an agreement to end the DHS shutdown, now in its 47th day, could be reached in the coming days. This would allow the full impact of Mullin's decision to be felt as FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund, which is running low, receives the over $26 billion in additional funding from the DHS appropriations bill.