FEMA gets watchdog council to fix its bias and slow aid
Published Date: 2/21/2025
Notice
Summary
The government just set up a new FEMA Review Council to check how well FEMA handles disasters and to suggest ways to make it better and fairer. This affects anyone who relies on FEMA during emergencies, aiming to fix problems like political bias and slow responses. The council will review FEMA’s work quickly to help protect Americans and improve disaster aid, which has involved nearly $30 billion yearly but hasn’t always reached those in need.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
FEMA Review Council Established
The President established the FEMA Review Council on January 24, 2025, to advise senior White House officials and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget about FEMA's ability to capably and impartially address disasters. The Council may have up to 20 members (including the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Defense) and will recommend improvements or structural changes to promote the national interest and national resilience. The notice says FEMA obligated nearly $30 billion in disaster aid each of the past three years, motivating the review.
Review of Political Bias and Resource Use
The Council will evaluate concerns the notice raises about political bias and diverted FEMA resources. The notice cites that at least one former FEMA responder said managers were directed to avoid homes of individuals supporting Donald J. Trump for President, and states FEMA spent "well over a billion dollars" to "welcome illegal aliens," issues the Council is to assess and advise on.
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Key Dates
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