Rep. Bilirakis Demands Answers from FEMA on Sno-Cone Machines

Washington, DC (January 11, 2012) – After reports that nearly $12,000 in homeland security grant money was used to buy Sno-Cone machines, Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-09) has written Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate for answers about how this kind of purchase is relevant to homeland security.

As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, Bilirakis oversees FEMA and ensures that it is efficient and effective in the use of its funds.

"While I will agree that snow cones are a refreshing treat, at a time when budgets are strained and the government is looking for ways to cut costs, it is unacceptable to be using taxpayer dollars meant to protect our country on these kinds of items," Bilirakis said. "This particular instance makes me wonder what else homeland security dollars are being used for, and makes me skeptical about FEMA's ability to ensure that these funds are not being squandered."

In December, it was reported that the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission spent $11,700 of its federal grant funding on 13 Sno-Cone machines.

Read the letter here.