Florida Congressman Defends Decision to Not Fund DHS, Calls for Kristi Noem's Resignation

Moskowitz argues ICE needs reform and Noem has failed as FEMA administrator

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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As the partial government shutdown gets underway, Democratic Congressman Jared Moskowitz defended the decision not to fund the Department of Homeland Security, arguing that ICE needs reform and that Kristi Noem should resign or be removed as FEMA administrator for her failures in the role.

Why it matters

The ongoing government shutdown and debates over immigration enforcement and disaster response are key political issues, with Moskowitz taking a strong stance against the current leadership at DHS and FEMA.

The details

Moskowitz criticized Noem's performance as FEMA administrator, saying she has "destroyed that agency" and crippled its ability to respond to natural disasters. He also called for reforms to ICE, including requiring body cameras for agents and banning the use of masks. Moskowitz also slammed Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi's refusal to answer questions about the Epstein case during a House Judiciary Committee hearing.

  • The partial government shutdown is currently underway.

The players

Jared Moskowitz

A Democratic Congressman from Florida and member of the House Judiciary Committee.

Kristi Noem

The current FEMA administrator, who Moskowitz argues has "destroyed" the agency and crippled its disaster response capabilities.

Pam Bondi

The Florida Attorney General who Moskowitz criticized for refusing to answer questions about the Epstein case during a House Judiciary Committee hearing.

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What they’re saying

“I mean, for me, this idea that we have a 10-point plan, but we're not asking for leadership change, that doesn't work. I think Kristi Noem needs to resign or be removed.”

— Jared Moskowitz, Congressman (CBS News Miami)

“She's gotten rid of all sorts of staff. The regional offices are half empty. And so, I'm deeply worried about FEMA's response capabilities.”

— Jared Moskowitz, Congressman (CBS News Miami)

“[Her] answers on Epstein were just totally unsatisfactory for the American people. There should be justice for these victims.”

— Jared Moskowitz, Congressman (CBS News Miami)

What’s next

The House Judiciary Committee is expected to continue its investigation into the Epstein case and the Justice Department's handling of it.

The takeaway

Moskowitz's strong criticism of Noem and Bondi highlights the partisan divides and policy debates surrounding immigration enforcement, disaster response, and government accountability that are playing out in the current political landscape.