Senators challenged Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a recent Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing regarding her oversight of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) amidst a wave of destructive storms impacting the southern U.S. The discussion was particularly pointed as states like Missouri and Mississippi await federal disaster declarations while managing the aftermath of deadly tornadoes.
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) pressed Noem about the pending requests for disaster declarations in Missouri, which has reported nearly 20 fatalities from severe storms over the past two months. “We are desperate for assistance in Missouri,” he urged, asking her to expedite these requests to President Trump. In response, Noem assured that she would prioritize these declarations and facilitate individual assistance for affected Missourians.
This urgent plea from a Republican senator represents significant frustration with FEMA’s response under the Trump administration, particularly as cities recover from calamities. For instance, St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer highlighted the lack of FEMA support, emphasizing the need for federal aid during such crises.
Interestingly, Republican Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders previously sought Trump’s reconsideration of a disaster declaration for her state, underscoring a similar struggle for timely federal assistance.
Conversely, Democratic Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky acknowledged the effectiveness of FEMA’s response in his state, even as he voiced concern over potential cuts to the agency. His comments reflect the varied responses from state leaders, revealing a complex landscape of federal disaster management under current policies.
In light of these ongoing struggles, critics of the Trump administration’s management of FEMA have pointed to staffing reductions and management upheaval within the agency. Noem has previously indicated intentions to disband FEMA altogether, citing a preference for transferring disaster management responsibilities to states. This controversial approach has raised alarms among lawmakers about its impact on disaster response capabilities.
As states brace for future challenges, the need for effective national support in disaster management stands out. The ongoing dialogue illustrates the urgency for state and federal partnerships to ensure populations receive timely and adequate assistance when facing emergencies.