I think you're right, it's about power and the chain of command and bureaucracy. They need permission.
They'd rather have a bunch of incompetents with the proper paperwork than one Batman.
I do think the criticism for the money sent to other countries for bombs and bullets when they can't properly help at home is valid though. But I'm sure they can find some money to help at home if they funnel it through defense contractors.
We shouldn't be isolationists but we should help the American people.
It's extremely disturbing how they're handling the chemical fire with chlorine gas.