Close Menu
News JournosNews Journos
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Latest Headlines:
  • Nvidia’s Jensen Huang Courts Beijing Amid Renewed Market Access in China
  • Volcanic Eruption in Iceland Forces Evacuation of Tourists from Blue Lagoon as Lava Approaches Grindavik
  • Humanity Faces Significant Losses, Says Spokesperson
  • Gun Seller Backed by Donald Trump Jr. Launches Stock Trading
  • Lightning Strike in New Jersey Leaves 1 Dead, 13 Injured
  • Used EV Batteries Poised to Power AI Growth
  • UK Inflation Data Reveals Key Trends for June
  • Hijacked Small Plane Grounds Flights at Vancouver International Airport
  • Experts Warn of Vulnerabilities in Federal E-Verify System Following Workplace Raids
  • Trial Commences Over Alleged Facebook Privacy Violations Involving CEO and Others
  • Controversy Surrounds Franco-Israeli Singer Amir at Francofolies de Spa Festival
  • Newsom Criticizes Trump’s National Guard Move, Urges Maturity
  • Potential Consequences of Trump’s Dismissal of Fed Chair Powell
  • Prince Harry Honors Diana’s Legacy by Advocating Against Landmines in Angola
  • Tsunami Warning Lowered to Advisory Following 7.2 Magnitude Earthquake near Alaska
  • Goldman Sachs Reports Q2 2025 Earnings Results
  • Rubio Calls Israeli Strike on Damascus a ‘Misunderstanding’ Amid Peace Efforts
  • Complete Skeleton of Medieval Knight Discovered Beneath Former Ice Cream Parlor in Poland
  • James Gunn Discusses “Superman”: Release Date, Character’s Immigrant Story, and Themes of Kindness
  • Assembly Discusses Olive Grove; Tanal’s Brief Action Sparks Varank’s Controversial Remarks
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
News JournosNews Journos
Subscribe
Friday, July 25
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
News JournosNews Journos
Amid Hurricane Season, Efforts Intensify to Sustain FEMA's Operational Funding

Amid Hurricane Season, Efforts Intensify to Sustain FEMA’s Operational Funding

News EditorBy News EditorJune 2, 2025 U.S. News 5 Mins Read

With the hurricane season approaching, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faces mounting scrutiny over her push to overhaul the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Publicly advocating for significant changes to FEMA, she is simultaneously working behind the scenes to retain crucial personnel and expedite disaster recovery reimbursements for states affected by previous calamities. As the weather intensifies, the agency’s capacity to respond under its current structural challenges is becoming increasingly consequential.

Article Subheadings
1) Noem’s Reevaluation of FEMA Role
2) Key Personnel Retained Amidst Cuts
3) Disaster Recovery Funding Approvals
4) Challenges Faced by State Governments
5) Internal Strains Within FEMA

Noem’s Reevaluation of FEMA Role

In a significant policy shift, Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, has vocalized intentions to either radically reform or potentially dismantle FEMA. At a televised meeting earlier this year, Noem explicitly stated, “We are eliminating FEMA,” indicating a resolute stance driven by a belief that the agency is overly bureaucratic. This perspective aligns with sentiments shared by President Donald Trump, who has previously raised questions about the necessity of FEMA during his administration. Despite this public posture, there is evidence that privately, Noem acknowledges the essential services provided by FEMA, particularly as the hurricane season approaches.

Key Personnel Retained Amidst Cuts

As part of her behind-the-scenes strategy, Noem approved the retention of 2,652 employees within FEMA’s Cadre of On-Call Response/Recovery Employees (CORE) group. These individuals are critical for the agency’s emergency response, especially during the height of hurricane season. The decision came after internal documents revealed significant apprehension regarding staffing during the upcoming hurricane season. The CORE employees, typically hired for short-term assignments, play a vital role in ensuring FEMA can function effectively. Reports from FEMA employees indicate relief and surprise at Noem’s decision, as many were initially concerned about their jobs due to the proposed cuts.

Disaster Recovery Funding Approvals

In tandem with her personnel strategies, Noem is reportedly advocating for the swift approval of disaster recovery funding for states affected by prior disasters. Recent developments illustrate that the White House granted approvals for reimbursement requests from ten states, a significant increase compared to previous months. This move accounts for approximately 20% of all such approvals during Trump’s second term. Traditionally, disaster reimbursements are subject to strict national codes, allowing states to recover 75% of eligible disaster costs from federal resources. However, recent policies have created challenges, as the White House has pushed back against FEMA’s recommendations, leaving many state officials concerned about their financial capabilities.

Challenges Faced by State Governments

The financial implications of these challenges are particularly severe for states like Alabama and Mississippi, which may struggle to shoulder disaster response costs without federal assistance. Experts have indicated that the significant reimbursement gaps could lead to dire fiscal consequences, potentially resulting in the need for states to issue bonds or raise taxes. As commented by former FEMA Chief of Staff Michael Coen, the current situation threatens to “bankrupt” smaller states, forcing them into financial jeopardy as they attempt to plan for crises without adequate federal backing. This dissatisfied position places additional pressure on both local and state authorities to devise innovative budgetary solutions, further complicating the disaster preparedness landscape.

Internal Strains Within FEMA

Despite Noem’s strategy to maintain critical staff, the agency faces internal challenges with the departure of multiple high-ranking officials moving into the current year. Reports indicate that 16 senior FEMA officials, boasting a cumulative 228 years of experience, have announced their resignation in recent weeks. This exodus has raised red flags regarding the agency’s capacity to respond effectively during the high-pressure months of hurricane season. Comparisons have been drawn to a “relay team,” where having fewer runners means increased demands on those who remain. Remaining staff might find themselves stretched thin where their training does not match the increased expectations.

No. Key Points
1 Noem has publicly called for significant changes to FEMA.
2 Key personnel within FEMA have been retained for the hurricane season.
3 Recent disaster funding approvals show a change in the White House’s approach.
4 State governments face financial challenges regarding disaster costs.
5 FEMA is experiencing significant internal strife with high executive turnover.

Summary

As the hurricane season looms, the dual approach of reshaping FEMA and addressing immediate staffing and funding issues stands at the forefront of Secretary Noem’s agenda. The tension between the intent to reform and the reality of necessary disaster response services illustrates the complexities faced by government agencies. The remaining employees, if adequately supported, may still effectively mobilize to serve the needs of affected states, but the ongoing internal turbulence calls into question the agency’s long-term viability as a responsive force in disaster situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is the primary goal of Secretary Noem regarding FEMA?

Secretary Noem aims to reevaluate and potentially overhaul FEMA to shift it away from a bureaucratic structure while emphasizing immediate disaster response capabilities.

Question: What challenges may states face in securing disaster recovery funds?

States may have to bear a larger financial burden without adequate federal reimbursements, potentially leading to financial destabilization as they face significant disaster-related expenses.

Question: How is FEMA addressing personnel issues?

FEMA has retained a significant number of employees to ensure a robust response capability during hurricane season, despite facing high levels of executive turnover earlier this year.

Congress Crime Economy Education efforts Elections Environmental Issues FEMAs funding Healthcare Hurricane Immigration Intensify Natural Disasters Operational Politics Public Policy Season Social Issues Supreme Court Sustain Technology White House
News Editor
  • Website

As the News Editor at News Journos, I am dedicated to curating and delivering the latest and most impactful stories across business, finance, politics, technology, and global affairs. With a commitment to journalistic integrity, we provide breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert insights to keep our readers informed in an ever-changing world. News Journos is your go-to independent news source, ensuring fast, accurate, and reliable reporting on the topics that matter most.

Keep Reading

U.S. News

Gun Seller Backed by Donald Trump Jr. Launches Stock Trading

7 Mins Read
U.S. News

Potential Consequences of Trump’s Dismissal of Fed Chair Powell

6 Mins Read
U.S. News

Crypto Legislation Stalled in Congress for Second Consecutive Day

7 Mins Read
U.S. News

Trump Dismisses Plans to Fire Powell, Calling Them ‘Highly Unlikely’

5 Mins Read
U.S. News

June 2025 PPI Inflation Report Highlights Key Economic Trends

4 Mins Read
U.S. News

Mortgage Demand Drops 10% Amid Rising Rates and Economic Worries

5 Mins Read
Mr Serdar Avatar

Serdar Imren

News Director

Facebook Twitter Instagram
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
  • About Us
  • Get In Touch
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Terms and Conditions
© 2025 The News Journos. Designed by The News Journos.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.