Efforts to Make FEMA Independent from DHS
Reps. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., and Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., discuss elevating FEMA to a Cabinet-level agency. House effort aims to make FEMA independent from the Department of Homeland Security.
Key Points
- FEMA reform draft legislation released to engage colleagues and stakeholders
- Trump expressed desire to fundamentally reform or eliminate FEMA
- Budget proposal includes cutting nearly $650 million in FEMA grants
Pros
- Transforming FEMA to be more state and locally driven
- Creating a centralized website for disaster assistance recovery
- Allowing FEMA to fund repairs to homes damaged in disasters
Cons
- President Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem support eradicating FEMA
- Former FEMA acting administrator Cameron Hamilton was ousted after pushing back against Trump's plans for the agency