The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the United States' dedicated disaster agency, is equipped with decades of intergovernmental partnerships, tens of billions of dollars in disaster aid, and the operational infrastructure needed to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies. Historically, FEMA has worked with the National Weather Service (NWS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and other agencies to support local and state governments in preparing for and responding to natural disasters and emergencies. While many within the disaster response community are open to reforms to improve how these agencies function, eliminating or drastically reducing staff or funding to agencies risks making disaster response and resilience much worse.
Federal agencies, sufficient funding, and technical assistance are critical to equipping local governments to lead in disaster response and to respond with the best available information and resources. As fire and hurricane seasons are underway, communities across the country cannot afford to lose these key resources.
Cuts to these agencies would put lives at risk and damage critical infrastructure and property. For many reasons, including mounting political pressure, nearly 20% of FEMA staff have left, weakening the agency’s institutional memory, operational capacity, and ability to mobilize quickly in the face of escalating climate disasters.
As Episcopalians, we recognize the need to collectively support our neighbors in times of disaster. Guided by our commitments to justice, compassion, and community, we believe it is our moral duty to stand with those in crisis. Please urge Congress to ensure that disaster aid is protected and that FEMA and other agencies maintain their capacity to coordinate lifesaving emergency management. Now more than ever, we must advocate for systems that safeguard human life and uphold the dignity of every person.
Additional Resources:
- Climate Change-Fueled Hurricanes Are Increasingly Destructive and Costly for U.S. Communities
- How FEMA Can Build Rural Resilience Through Disaster Preparedness
- FEMA—and the Nation’s Disaster Safety Net—Gets Cut Adrift
- The Destruction of Disaster Relief: The Trump Administration’s Attack on Emergency Disaster Preparedness and Relief Aid
Episcopal Church Resolutions:
- 2018-D007: Support Disaster Relief, Recovery, and Prevention