Lawmakers Criticize Trump-Appointed FEMA Leadership, Urge BRIC Funding Amid Hurricane Season Preparedness Concerns

Concerns have been raised by multiple members of Congress and officials regarding the leadership and preparedness of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) ahead of the upcoming hurricane season. Bipartisan members of California’s Congressional Delegation, including Representative Derek Tran, emphasized the importance of FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program for disaster readiness and resilience. However, criticism has mounted against the current FEMA leadership appointed by President Donald Trump, with lawmakers such as Representative Donald Norcross and Senator Jon Lujan highlighting the agency's critical role in disaster response and calling for serious reforms to improve its effectiveness. Representatives Kevin Mullin, Young Kim, and Jill Tokuda have advocated for full funding of local Urban Search & Rescue task forces, which are essential for responding to various emergencies including earthquakes, wildfires, and hurricanes. Senators and Representatives including Raphael Warnock, Pramila Jayapal, and Yvette Clarke have expressed alarm over FEMA’s preparedness, warning that inadequate leadership and readiness could result in loss of life during natural disasters. The overarching demand from these officials is for competent and qualified leadership at FEMA to ensure effective disaster response and recovery efforts.