Reforming FEMA: Ensuring the Nation’s Disaster Readiness Works for Americans

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Republicans held a hearing on July 15, 2026, focused on reforming the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to improve the nation's disaster readiness and response. The discussion centered on the bipartisan FEMA Act of 2025, which aims to overhaul FEMA's disaster assistance processes by transitioning from a reimbursement to a grant-based model, expediting funding to state and local governments, and enhancing mitigation investments to reduce future disaster costs. Witnesses, including former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, local government officials, electric cooperative representatives, and insurance industry leaders, highlighted challenges such as bureaucratic delays, politicization of disaster declarations, and the need for upfront funding to speed recovery efforts. The hearing also addressed concerns about FEMA's current placement within the Department of Homeland Security and advocated for making FEMA an independent agency to improve efficiency and reduce political interference. Specific procurement-related reforms discussed included streamlining public assistance reimbursements, allowing estimates for debris removal and infrastructure repair, reimbursing loan interest for utilities, and improving hazard mitigation grant programs. The committee emphasized the importance of state-led, locally executed, and federally supported disaster management and called for swift legislative action to implement these reforms.