Fact Check: Noem's funding approval threshold dropped from $25 million to $100,000.

Fact Check: Noem's Funding Approval Threshold Dropped from $25 Million to $100,000

What We Know

The claim that Kristi Noem's funding approval threshold dropped from $25 million to $100,000 is supported by recent announcements from her office. According to a memo obtained by Federal News Network, Noem, who serves as Secretary of Homeland Security, stated that her office would now require approval for all contracts and grant awards exceeding $100,000. This new directive supersedes a previous guideline that mandated her approval for expenditures over $25 million. The change was described as a move to enhance oversight and accountability in federal spending, particularly in the context of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) procurement processes.

Analysis

The evidence supporting this claim comes directly from official communications issued by Noem's office, which are considered reliable sources. The memo clearly outlines the new threshold and the rationale behind it, indicating a shift in policy aimed at improving oversight of federal contracts. Critics, including former DHS officials, have expressed concerns that this new threshold could significantly slow down the procurement process, especially during peak spending periods for the agency, as noted in Federal News Network and CNN.

The reliability of the sources is high, as they originate from established news outlets and official government communications. However, it is important to note that while the directive aims to increase accountability, it has also drawn criticism for potentially creating bureaucratic delays. The concerns raised by former officials suggest that while the intention behind the policy may be sound, its practical implications could hinder timely responses to urgent needs, particularly in disaster response scenarios.

Conclusion

The claim that Noem's funding approval threshold has dropped from $25 million to $100,000 is True. The evidence from her official memo and corroborating reports from credible news sources confirm this change in policy. While the move is intended to enhance oversight, it raises valid concerns about the efficiency of the procurement process within the DHS.

Sources

1. House Approves Noem Amendment to Direct Additional Funding to Projects Like Lewis & Clark
2. Secretary Noem Saves American Taxpayers Hundreds of Millions
3. State of South Dakota Governor's Budget Fiscal Year 2024
4. State of South Dakota's Governor's Budget Fiscal Year 2025
5. 'Absolutely nuts': DHS secretary to review all contract, grant awards over $100k
6. Kristi Noem demands more control over FEMA, Homeland Security funding
7. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem hospitalized for allergic reaction