Noem ordered that every FEMA contract and grant worth that exceeds $100,000 must cross her desk for approval, CNN reported in June. The latest reporting by the outlet insinuated that this rule “stripped [FEMA] of much of its autonomy” during the flood, which raged across at least six counties and killed over 120 people in the early hours of July 4.

As rescue efforts continue in Texas after devastating floods, questions are mounting about FEMA’s ability to respond—especially under Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who now requires her personal sign-off on major disaster spending over $100K.