While touring hurricane-affected areas in North Carolina, the president expressed a desire to overhaul or eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). However, federal laws make it clear that the president cannot terminate FEMA unilaterally. Any such action would require congressional approval.
FEMA, an agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), operates using a budget authorized by Congress. Its Disaster Relief Fund, which provides critical support for disaster recovery, preparedness, and response, is replenished annually through congressional legislation. For example, Congress allocated $29 billion to FEMA in late 2024 to address major disasters, including Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Proposed Changes to FEMA Operations
The president criticized FEMA’s current structure, arguing it delays aid and lacks efficiency. He proposed reforms via executive order to establish a task force to reevaluate the agency’s role. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, has also suggested changes, such as privatizing certain FEMA programs like the National Flood Insurance Program and adjusting federal cost-sharing rules to reduce the government’s financial burden.
Despite these proposals, lawmakers from both parties have historically supported FEMA. The agency’s assistance is widely recognized as essential, particularly in states like Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, which frequently experience natural disasters.
Reactions to the President’s Comments
While Congress did not immediately respond to the president’s remarks, Senator Susan Collins of Maine acknowledged the potential for reform. She noted that an “oversight hearing or some reforms” might be considered, emphasizing the need for a federal agency like FEMA to support states during large-scale disasters.
The discussion surrounding FEMA’s future highlights differing perspectives on managing disaster response. Whether reforms or eliminations occur, congressional involvement remains in determining the agency’s path forward.