BURLINGTON, VT—Today, more than 180 employees of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) warned Congress that FEMA’s operational mismanagement could result in a catastrophic response to future disasters. U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following reaction:  

“We cannot stop climate disasters—the only thing we can control is how ready we are to respond and how quickly we help communities rebuild. Brave FEMA employees are sounding the alarm, and the leadership of FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, and the White House need to be all in on fixing the problem,” said Senator Welch. “These post-Katrina reforms were enacted because of a deadly failure to respond to an unthinkable disaster. Now, 20 years after that tragedy we’re on track to repeat history. Because of DOGE and Secretary Noem’s mismanagement, FEMA will be even more strained and under-prepared. The Trump Administration must make immediate improvements, and Congress must act to protect and reform FEMA.” 

FEMA employees’ declaration—called the “Katrina Declaration” —was sent to Congressional Committees and Members of Congress. The letter outlines ways FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security have enacted processes that contradict the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, reforms passed after Hurricane Katrina to better support communities after a natural disaster. As outlined in their letter, FEMA employees specifically note six structural issues with FEMA: The failure to appoint and qualified FEMA administrator; the elimination of disaster mitigation funding, including the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program; interference with preparedness programs; the censorship of climate science, environmental protection, and efforts to ensure all communities have access to support; and the reduction of FEMA’s disaster workforce. 

In July, Senator Welch called for the resignation of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem citing, in part, her mishandling of FEMA, saying:  

“We have an obligation to protect the safety of the families that all of us represent. I urge every one of my colleagues to demand better for our constituents and for every American. We need a Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security who puts public safety and preparedness before her personal image or political aspirations. Secretary Noem must resign.” 

Senator Welch recently introduced the Disaster Assistance Improvement and Decentralization (AID) Act. Senator Welch’s bill will cut red tape and empower state and local governments to access recovery assistance when it is needed. The bill will also prevent the White House from withholding funding for disaster response, support hazard mitigation efforts, make the delivery of disaster aid more efficient and effective, and provide technical assistance to small towns and communities impacted by natural disasters. 

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