April 1, 2026

DHS Reverses Noem's Contract Approval Policy

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has rescinded a policy requiring his approval for contracts over $100,000, a rule criticized for delaying FEMA's disaster response efforts.
This decision is expected to ease a spending bottleneck, although significant impacts may not be felt until after the current DHS shutdown, now in its 47th day.
Mullin's action has been praised by emergency management officials as a necessary step to improve efficiency and support disaster recovery operations.