WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a leader in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reform efforts, today called on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to release the FEMA Review Council’s full, unaltered report ahead of the Council’s final meeting. According to reports, Secretary Noem edited the report and recommendations down, eliminating roughly 140 pages of the Council’s work. 

“Public reporting indicates that upon receiving the Council’s report, you and your top adviser, Corey Lewandowski, whittled the recommendations down, eliminating roughly 140 pages of the Council’s work. White House officials reportedly also received the draft report. Members of the Council, appointed by President Trump, have raised concerns about your decision to alter the report. I categorically oppose any efforts to eliminate FEMA. I do energetically support reforms to streamline the disaster relief process. It is too burdensome for many small towns, particularly in rural areas,” wrote Senator Welch in his letter to Secretary Noem.  

Welch concluded: “Whether or not you agree with all of the Council’s conclusions or recommendations, it is essential their complete findings be released without alteration or selective changes. This welcomes a robust discussion of the best reforms to improve FEMA. I urge you to release the Council’s complete findings to the public immediately.” 

Established by executive order, the FEMA Review Council was created to provide the Trump Administration recommendations for FEMA’s future—which could include drastic reductions in capacity. The Council is expected to vote on the final draft report on Thursday, December 11, 2025. 

Senator Welch introduced the Disaster Assistance Improvement and Decentralization (AID) Act on the anniversaries of Vermont’s catastrophic floods of July 2023 and 2024. 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 support hazard mitigation efforts, make the delivery of disaster aid more efficient and effective, provide technical assistance to small towns and communities impacted by natural disasters, and block the White House from withholding funding for disaster response. In July, Senator Welch called for the resignation of Secretary Noem citing, in part, her mismanagement of FEMA. 

Read and download the full letter here.  

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