One senator calls it "a pay first, ask questions later approach."

According to an audit, the Federal Emergency Management Agency gave more than $31 million to thousands of Floridians who may not have qualified for any disaster aid after Hurricane Frances.

The federal audit says FEMA granted requests for aid in Miami-Dade County on verbal assurances, without proof of damage like repair receipts or proof of ownership.

The findings were released to a Senate committee today.

Senator Susan Collins of Maine says such allegations can't be swept "under the rug." She says the issue has ramifications to future disaster relief efforts across the country.

FEMA's chief says he regrets the findings, but says such problems are not widespread.