All articles tagged with #disaster funding
CNN reveals Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski throttled FEMA for a year, stalling more than $15 billion in disaster funds, triggering staff departures and leaving the agency under-prepared for hurricane season. With new DHS leadership and ongoing investigations, the White House is trying to repair the damage, but officials warn it could take years to rebuild FEMA’s capacity and trust.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. canceled nearly $500 million in mRNA vaccine research funding, criticizing the technology, while other political and legal developments include a court blocking FEMA disaster funding reallocation, Trump’s efforts to investigate Epstein and his political enemies, and various administrative actions and investigations related to his presidency. The article highlights ongoing political conflicts, legal battles, and policy shifts during Trump's administration.
FEMA announced the release of nearly $1 billion in disaster preparedness and homeland security funds after reports of proposed program cuts, reversing earlier plans to slash these programs amid concerns over national security and disaster readiness.
Kerr County, Texas, repeatedly sought funding for a flood warning system over several years but was denied by state and federal agencies, despite known flood risks and available funds. The lack of an alert system contributed to the tragic flooding that resulted in at least 121 deaths, including 36 children, highlighting failures in disaster preparedness and government response. The incident underscores issues in disaster funding allocation and the importance of proactive flood mitigation measures.
Kerr County, Texas, has struggled to fund a flood warning system due to limited federal and state disaster funds, a problem worsened by the Trump administration's reduction of disaster preparedness funding, highlighting the challenges small communities face in protecting themselves from increasing flood risks exacerbated by climate change.
The cancellation of the $4.5 billion Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program by President Trump has left many communities, including Scranton, Pennsylvania, struggling to fund flood prevention projects, highlighting the challenges localities face in climate resilience efforts amid political and funding uncertainties.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is traveling to Washington, D.C., to lobby the Biden administration to protect key California programs on environmental standards and disaster funding before President-elect Trump takes office. Newsom aims to secure EPA approval for stringent vehicle emissions standards and advocate for Medicaid funding for homelessness programs. He also seeks to ensure continued disaster funding, which Trump has threatened to withhold unless California aligns with his policies. Newsom's efforts are part of a broader strategy to "Trump-proof" the state against potential policy rollbacks.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is running low on funds, with only $3.4 billion remaining in its disaster relief fund, which will be exhausted by the first half of September if Congress does not approve additional funding. President Joe Biden has called on Congress to pass $12 billion in additional funding for the disaster fund next month. FEMA is currently prioritizing immediate needs, such as the Maui wildfires and Hurricane Idalia, while pushing other recovery projects into the next fiscal year. However, the request for more disaster funds could face opposition due to Republican concerns over U.S. military aid for Ukraine.