Scott: White House and FEMA ‘convinced me there’s plenty of money’ for Dorian response

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) said Sunday that the White House and Federal Emergency Management Agency “convinced him” that there will be funds to cover FEMA’s response to Hurricane Dorian, despite the Trump administration announcement that it would transfer millions of dollars out of agency’s Disaster Relief Fund toward immigration priorities.

“I’ve talked to FEMA and I talked to the White House. They all convinced me there’s plenty of money,” Scott said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” 

CNN’s Dana Bash asked Scott if he’s “confident” with the administration moving the money. {mosads}

“That’s what they told me,” the senator responded. 

Scott added that FEMA always “showed up” when disasters unfolded when he was governor of Florida. 

Last week, the Trump administration announced the transfer of $271 million out of FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to expand immigration detention capacity. 

The hurricane strengthened into a Category 5 hurricane early Sunday, the National Hurricane Center.

Scott also on CNN warned Floridians to take care of themselves, and evacuate if needed. 

He also told residents to watch the news to stay up to date on the latest developments. 

Speaking to Fox’s Chris Wallace on “Fox News Sunday,” Scott warned of a “cone of uncertainty,” adding that the storm “can still move right into Florida.”

“My biggest concern is people are going to think we’re off the hook, we are not off the hook,” Scott said.

“Overprepare, don’t underprepare. If it turns, it’s too late, you can’t get out- if you think there’s any chance you’re going to have evacuate… get out now.”

–Zack Budryk contributed to this report, which was updated at 10:17 a.m.