Trump-appointed FEMA Review Council proposes major redesign of federal disaster response role
A council appointed by President Trump to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency proposed a major overhaul to the agency that stops short of the administration's vows to dismantle it, but could reduce the number of disasters the federal government supports and the amount of money it distributes.
TL;DR
- FEMA Review Council proposes replacing FEMA with a 'transformed agency' with a leaner, less centralized structure.
- Recommendations aim to shift more disaster preparedness, response, and recovery responsibility to states, tribes, and territories.
- The report suggests changing the criteria for federal disaster support and the methods of payment to states.
- Survivor assistance could be limited to emergency housing with one-time payments, moving away from long-term aid.
- Proposals include shifting flood insurance policies to the private market and aligning premium costs with risk.
- The recommendations will be sent to President Trump, but many require congressional action.
- Concerns exist that some state and local governments may not be able to handle the increased responsibilities.
- A previous draft's recommendation to cut the FEMA workforce by 50% was not included in the final report.