Letter to the Editor: Is Miller-Meeks spreading a lie?

Using natural disasters like the recent hurricanes as a political tool to spread lies and misinformation is shameful and does absolutely no good. It’s embarrassing when it involves our own congressional representative.

According to Iowa Starting Line, while speaking at Governor Reynolds’ Harvest Fundraiser on Oct. 5, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks told those attending, “Part of the problem with FEMA running out of money because they’re housing illegal immigrants with almost one billion dollars.”

According to FEMA’s website, the money Miller-Meeks is referring to is administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and not FEMA.

So Miller-Meeks is spreading a lie.

Falsehoods like this make recovery efforts more difficult for organizations like the American Red Cross, because it sows confusion and mistrust among victims who desperately need the help.

As a reminder, the Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that is not affiliated with the Federal Government. Spreading lies like this causes people to be hesitant to give and volunteer.

When Representative Miller-Meeks repeats lies such as this, she calls into question her own honesty and credibility.

Robert W. Holley

Newton