FEMA News

The Daily Signal reports on Federal Emergency Management Agency operations with analysis and commentary on disaster response, hurricane recovery, wildfire assistance, emergency preparedness, government effectiveness, and the proper role of federal versus state and local disaster management.
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    • News

    Democrats Stand Firm on ICE Demands as FEMA, TSA, and Coast Guard Funding in a Lurch

    A partial government shutdown appears imminent as Democrats are standing firm and refusing to provide funding to the Department of Homeland Security. There is only one day left to fund the Department of Homeland Security, the lone department awaiting appropriations from Congress through the rest of the fiscal year. The White House has attempted to negotiate, but the proposal doesn’t seem to be enough…
    Virginia Grace McKinnon
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    • News

    ‘That’s the Leverage’: Democrats Shrug Off FEMA and TSA Funding Concerns as Partial Shutdown Looms

    As the House Homeland Security Committee heard testimonies from top Department of Homeland Security officials on Tuesday, Republicans are warning Democrats about the consequences of a partial government shutdown. Congress is facing yet another potential partial government shutdown this Friday as funding for the Department of Homeland Security is set to expire. Democrats have made their demands clear,…
    Virginia Grace McKinnon
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  • Fact Check: What Politico, FEMA Chief Got Wrong as Florida’s DeSantis Prepared for Hurricane Ian 

    Politico this week inaccurately reported remarks by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell about Florida’s response to Hurricane Ian, but she also appeared to be inaccurate in saying that she hasn’t ever acted politically during a natural disaster.   Criswell, who runs the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Biden administration, spoke Tuesday at a White House press…
    Roman Jankowski
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  • To Save More Lives, Reform FEMA

    Since October 2017, California has suffered severe fires and more extensive fire-related destruction than at any other point in its history. The fires have sadly killed dozens of people, turned over 10,000 homes to ash, scattering them to ever-hotter wind. Newspapers and first responders have decried the lack of communication among agencies, poor funding, and…
    Georgia Cline
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  • Why FEMA Must Be Reformed Before Disaster Strikes

    As Tropical Storm Franklin prepares to make landfall in Mexico, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is preparing to respond to similar situations that impact the United States. FEMA is tasked with leading the response to these devastating disasters, but since the 1980s, its involvement in small, local disasters has been on the increase. This…
    Max Morrison
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  • Natural Disasters Are Costing FEMA Way Too Much Money. Here’s What’s Wrong.

    As winter storms spread across the Midwest and Northeast this week, many Americans prepared for the worst by stocking up on necessities. But what about the Federal Emergency Management Agency or state and local governments? Are they prepared for the worst? Sadly, the answer appears to be no. Prior to 1988 and the passage of…
    Garrison Rutledge
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  • Atlantic Hurricane Season Heating Up: Time to Reform FEMA

    Five named storms have already formed in 2016, with Hurricane Earl making landfall last Thursday in Belize. Massive thunderstorms caused extensive damage and death tolls have risen to over 40 people. With September usually a peak month of tropical activity, it is crucial that the U.S. promptly delivers disaster relief when and where it is…
    Anna Ferrara
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  • Hurricanes Highlight Why FEMA Should Be Reformed

    With hurricane Joaquin intensifying to category 4, citizens all along the East Coast should be preparing for a substantial impact. In the coming days, it is important to remember the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s advice: Know your evacuation route Gather supplies (first aid, food, flashlight, etc.) Establish a family plan (method of contact in case…
    Angelica Hickerson
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  • The Start of Summer Is a Reminder: We Need FEMA Reform Now

    Summer officially started this weekend. The kids are finished with school, neighbors are planning barbecues, and families are beginning to head to the beach. But with the start of summer also comes the beginning of something else—hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted that the U.S. will experience several hurricanes this…
    David Inserra
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