Disaster Management
DHS secretary defends smaller FEMA workforce after judge challenges 50% staffing cut plans
Markwayne Mullin pointed to technology investments as a way for the disaster agency to operate with a smaller workforce, even as a federal judge in San Francisco ruled that DHS "unlawfully ordered” FEMA to cut its staffing by half.
FEMA’s future looks clearer. Disaster aid is still uncertain
The emergency management agency is rebuilding after a year of upheaval, but the Trump administration’s approach to disaster declarations and federal recovery funds is leaving states unsure what support they can count on.
Why a smaller government isn't automatically better
COMMENTARY | Downsizing without a plan is a recipe for failure. History shows that smarter workforce reductions require more than just cuts.
DHS watchdog says Noem-era policy hampered probe into FEMA employees skipping homes with Trump signs
Auditors found that the Federal Emergency Management Agency also did not provide consistent Hatch Act training to employees.
Key oversight and federal workforce nominees confirmed by Senate
Several of the individuals will lead agencies that have been downsized or otherwise weakened by the Trump administration.
FEMA slashed staff without considering the effects on future disaster response, watchdog reports
The Government Accountability Office also found that the disaster agency is currently operating without a strategic workforce plan to determine staffing needs.
As FEMA's future hangs in the balance, Senate advances nominee to lead the agency
A Senate confirmation would put a permanent leader atop the disaster agency as the administration weighs proposals to shrink its federal role.
FEMA overhaul proposal spotlighted by bipartisan lawmakers
Supporters testified that the FEMA Act would help disaster survivors and local governments more easily access assistance.
FEMA, OMB noms grilled on alleged political sway in government assistance
Democratic senators pointed to disparities between what states are approved to receive disaster funding as well as a proposal to require that political appointees approve grant awards to ensure they advance the president’s priorities.
FEMA is not ready for hurricane season due to Trump upheaval, House Democrats argue
The administration has recently reinstated some disaster staffers to promote readiness.
Trump taps former FEMA official ousted after defending agency
Cameron Hamilton, who was removed after publicly opposing efforts to eliminate FEMA, would return to lead the agency as the administration pushes states to take on a larger disaster response role.
FEMA should employ fewer staff and offer aid to fewer individuals, Trump’s council recommends
The changes come after the president proposed an overhaul, or outright elimination, of the disaster response agency.
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FEMA brings back employees it recently let go as it looks to 'stabilize' its workforce
The emergency response agency made the decision ahead of hurricane season, and as a judge is demanding more information on the dismissals.
FEMA came up with a goal to cut half its staff without a plan to get there, records show
The total was prescribed by DHS officials and sent to the White House.
Former FEMA administrator reflects on tumultuous time for ‘people-first’ agency
Deanne Criswell, who led the agency under former President Joe Biden, said critics who want to shift responsibility to states and localities use a “lazy way” to characterize its mission.
DOJ contradicts FEMA on who approved mass firings
"I don't have a great explanation for that," a DOJ lawyer says when asked to clarify in court.
Officials warn disaster response at risk as former and current FEMA leaders clash in court over mass staff cuts
Recent FEMA execs say the current leadership does not understand how the agency actually works.
Despite court order, a critical FEMA program remains frozen
Months after a judge ordered the Trump administration to restore climate adaptation grants, FEMA insiders say the agency hasn’t budged.
Turmoil at FEMA adds to the revolt against Kristi Noem
The homeland security secretary has all but halted the agency’s disaster spending.
Lawsuit seeks to stop FEMA from cutting its workforce in half
Staff reductions at the disaster agency were put on hold last week, as it faced the recent winter storm.
Some FEMA employee layoffs put on hold, while reform council renewed
The pause in reducing Cadre of On-Call Response and Recovery (CORE) employees comes as the U.S. faces a winter storm.
