A council appointed by President Trump has proposed a significant overhaul of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that would shift more disaster response responsibilities to states and reduce federal support. The FEMA Review Council's report, approved in a public meeting with nearly 6,000 virtual attendees, suggests transforming FEMA into a leaner agency with less Washington-centered control.
Key Takeaways
A Trump-appointed council proposed transforming FEMA into a leaner agency with increased state responsibilities and reduced federal support for disasters.
- FEMA Review Council recommends shifting to predefined metrics for federal disaster aid
- Proposals include direct payments within 30 days of disasters and limiting housing assistance
- Report suggests privatizing most flood insurance policies from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
- Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin supports the report's direction but notes congressional action is needed for major changes
The council recommends changing how states qualify for federal disaster support from a per-capita formula to predefined metrics. It also proposes giving states direct payments within 30 days of a disaster and limiting housing assistance to those whose homes are uninhabitable, offering survivors a one-time payment instead of multiple avenues for aid.
Other recommendations include shifting most flood insurance policies from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to the private market. The council's report was submitted 15 months after its creation and nearly six months past its original deadline due to internal clashes over drafts.
The final report emphasizes that disaster response is becoming increasingly complicated and expensive, encouraging Americans to take personal responsibility for preparedness. It states:
'With taxpayers bearing the burden of funding emergency management in the United States, it is the responsibility of every American to embrace their individual responsibility to lessen this burden by being prepared for disasters.'
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the report offers a clear direction for an agency in need of reform but still mission capable. He stated:
'We need to refocus FEMA to get it back on what its mission originally was.'Most major changes would require congressional action.
While there is broad agreement that FEMA needs reforms, some disaster experts express concerns about shifting responsibilities to states and local governments. The Environmental Defense Fund criticized the proposals, stating they 'don't meet this reality' of increasingly severe weather and would leave communities without necessary funding and resources.
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