FEMA Reform: Eliminating and Reforming the Agency for Better Disaster Response

The Need for FEMA Reform

• 💡 FEMA, as it currently exists, needs to be eliminated and reformed to better support local officials and respond to people during crises.
• 🎯 President Trump has consistently emphasized FEMA's crucial role in government services, national security, and supporting local emergency management during disasters.
• 🔑 The agency must become more responsive and focus on supporting local and state officials who are on the ground.

FEMA's Role in Disaster Execution

• 🚀 Every disaster should be locally executed, state-led, with the federal government providing support.
• ⏱️ A key challenge is determining how long disaster cases should remain open, with some continuing for 15-20 years, hindering immediate resource deployment.
• 📊 The president advocates for FEMA to focus on disaster response and long-term mitigation should not be a primary federal responsibility to the extent it has been.

Current FEMA Responsiveness and Improvements

• ✅ FEMA is significantly more responsive under President Trump than under previous administrations, with data showing over 100% improvement in timely dollar and resource deployment.
• ⚡ Resources and aid are being deployed within hours to meet immediate needs on the ground.
• 💰 It is crucial to ensure efficiency with taxpayer-provided resources.

Addressing Recent Disasters

• ⚠️ The administration is actively addressing recent devastating disasters in Texas and New Mexico, and continuing to support North Carolina, which received an additional $28 million deployment.
• 🗓️ With hurricane season underway, FEMA is working diligently with local leaders to ensure preparedness and pre-deployment of resources.
• 🤝 The council, led by Governor Phil Bryant, has been gathering extensive feedback from local, state, and federal leaders to develop a comprehensive reform product for the President and Congress.