Congress Must Act Before FEMA Cuts Leave Communities Unprotected

Delayed Congressional Action Will Leave Communities Unprotected I am writing as a concerned constituent urging you to act now to protect the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Planned and already-initiated workforce reductions threaten to weaken the nation’s disaster response capacity at a moment when disasters are becoming more frequent and more severe. Without prompt congressional intervention, communities will face preventable delays in response and recovery. Intended DHS Actions Will Reduce FEMA’s Response Capacity Recent reporting describes internal Department of Homeland Security actions that would significantly reduce FEMA’s disaster response workforce. These actions include large reductions to the Cadre of On-Call Response and Recovery (CORE) staff and sharp cuts to surge personnel who are typically deployed during major emergencies. Some reductions have already begun, with staff notified during the recent holiday period. Drastic Consequences of Losing CORE Staff on the Ground CORE staff and surge personnel are often the first federal responders deployed after hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and other disasters. They coordinate logistics, support state and local governments, administer recovery assistance, and remain engaged long after the initial emergency passes. Reducing these positions will delay aid, strain remaining staff, and leave disaster survivors without timely federal support. Staff Cuts Risk Violating FEMA’s Legal Mandates Former FEMA officials and emergency management experts have warned that abrupt workforce reductions risk undermining FEMA’s statutory responsibilities, including those established under the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act. Weakening FEMA’s operational capacity without a clear replacement plan raises serious concerns about legal compliance and continuity of operations. Workforce Cuts Are Dangerous Amid Rising Disaster Risks Disasters are increasing in frequency, intensity, and cost due to climate change and aging infrastructure. Cutting FEMA’s workforce at this moment increases risks to public safety, slows recovery efforts, and shifts greater burdens onto states and local governments that may lack sufficient resources to respond on their own. Oversight Hearings Needed to Prevent Further Damage I urge you to press for immediate oversight hearings requiring DHS and FEMA leadership to explain the scope, timing, and justification for these staffing actions. Congress must determine whether these decisions align with FEMA’s mission and statutory obligations. Congressional Inaction Will Leave Communities at Risk Congress has both the authority and responsibility to ensure FEMA remains capable of fulfilling its mission. Allowing these workforce reductions to proceed unchecked will leave Americans more vulnerable when disasters strike. I respectfully urge you to speak out publicly, pursue oversight, and support legislative action to protect FEMA’s disaster response capacity before further damage is done.