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FEMA employees say Trump policies are undermining disaster response in open letter
More than 180 FEMA employees warn that staffing cuts, policy changes, and delayed mission approvals have weakened disaster response, risking failures similar to Hurricane Katrina, they say.
- Over 180 present and past FEMA staff members released a letter during the week marking the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, expressing concern that severe budget cuts could lead to a disaster similar to Katrina.
- The letter warned that the Trump administration has ignored legal requirements, reduced FEMA's capacity, installed inexperienced leadership, and pushed states to fund disaster relief.
- The employees criticized policies like the expenditure approval process, noted that one-third of FEMA's workforce left since Trump took office, and cited failures such as delayed responses during Texas floods.
- The letter emphasized a collective dedication to the nation, professional responsibilities, and the goal of assisting individuals affected by disasters, urging Congress and the public to be aware of the significant consequences resulting from current administrative decisions.
- These warnings imply that current FEMA reductions could undo reforms made after Katrina and threaten the agency's ability to respond effectively to future disasters.
193 Articles
193 Articles
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FEMA workers say mismanagement under Trump puts disaster response at risk
More than 180 Federal Emergency Management Agency employees have warned Congress that mismanagement and unqualified leadership under the Trump administration are undermining the agency’s ability to respond to disasters.Brianna Sacks reports for The Washington Post.In short:FEMA employees say the agency is being led by unqualified officials without Senate confirmation, violating post-Katrina laws meant to ensure competent disaster response. They …
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