SouthernWorldwide.com – A council appointed by President Trump has proposed significant changes to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s role in disaster response. While not advocating for the agency’s complete dismantling as previously suggested by the administration, the proposals could lead to a reduction in the number of disasters the federal government supports and the amount of financial aid distributed.
The FEMA Review Council’s report indicates it’s “time to close the chapter on FEMA.” The council argues that the FEMA brand has been damaged and should be replaced by a “transformed agency.” This new entity would feature a leaner structure and be less centered on Washington.
The council, established by President Trump, suggests methods for the administration to transfer greater responsibility for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery to states, tribes, and territories. This marks a notable shift from the current federal-centric approach.
Key recommendations include a complete reevaluation of how the federal government identifies disasters eligible for support. It also proposes changes to how FEMA reimburses states and other governmental bodies for disaster recovery expenses, as well as the types of assistance survivors receive.
Following Hurricane Katrina, Congress enhanced FEMA’s federal coordination capabilities. Subsequent reforms after Hurricane Sandy aimed to expedite recovery and increase flexibility in aid. During the coronavirus pandemic, FEMA’s responsibilities expanded further to include vaccination efforts.
This review posits that the accumulation of these diverse missions has diverted FEMA from its core functions. It suggests this has led to increased bureaucracy, backlogs, and an over-reliance on federal support.
“These recommendations are all about accelerating federal dollars, streamlining the process, making it less bureaucratic so that Americans can get the help they need on the worst day of their lives,” stated former Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, a council member, during a public meeting.
The council submitted its report 15 months after its creation by President Trump. It was also delivered nearly six months past its original November 2025 deadline, indicating a lengthy deliberative process.
There is a general consensus that FEMA requires reforms to improve speed and reduce bureaucracy. However, some disaster experts express concern that the council’s proposed shifts in responsibility might be too much for certain state and local governments, the private sector, or individual survivors to manage.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin commented that the report provides “a clear direction and an oversight of an agency that is in need of reform, but is still mission capable.”
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These recommendations will be forwarded to President Trump. However, many of the proposed reforms would necessitate action from Congress. The White House has not yet responded regarding the President’s endorsement of these proposals or potential next steps.
One of the council’s most significant proposals concerns how states, tribes, and territories qualify for federal support. Currently, this is determined by a per-capita formula that balances costs against population. The new proposal suggests using a pre-defined set of metrics to trigger federal assistance for a disaster.
The council also recommended providing states with direct payments within 30 days of a disaster. This could be followed by an additional payment later, replacing the current system where states are reimbursed after recovery work is completed.
Survivor assistance is also slated for significant changes. The council suggests limiting housing assistance to individuals whose homes are rendered uninhabitable. Survivors would receive a one-time payment rather than multiple avenues for rental, repair, and replacement aid.
FEMA’s survivor aid would primarily focus on emergency housing. Long-term housing assistance would be de-emphasized, with states given the option to manage their own housing programs under federal guidelines.
“States, figure it out,” advised council member and Florida emergency management director Kevin Guthrie. “Do what’s best for you.”
Other recommendations include transferring most flood insurance policies away from the National Flood Insurance Program, which carries over $20 billion in debt, to the private market. This would also involve aligning premium costs more closely with actual risk.
President Trump has previously expressed intentions to dismantle FEMA and has consistently advocated for shifting disaster preparedness, response, and recovery responsibilities to the states.
The 12-member council appointed by President Trump is co-chaired by Secretary Mullin and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Its members include current and former officials and emergency managers, predominantly from states led by Republican governors.
Emergency managers, local officials, nonprofits involved in disaster management, and survivor groups have been eagerly awaiting the council’s findings. These were originally due about six months ago but were delayed due to disagreements between former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and council members over draft proposals.
The council stated that its recommendations were compiled after reviewing 11,708 public submissions. They also surveyed 1,387 state, local, tribal, and territorial governmental and non-governmental partners, engaged all 50 states and territories, and held listening sessions in 13 cities, including four tribal listening sessions.
The final recommendations appear to have moved away from some of the more controversial proposals in earlier drafts. Notably, a December draft reviewed by The Associated Press had included a recommendation to cut the FEMA workforce by 50%.
A spokesperson for The National Emergency Management Association stated that the group “broadly supports the overarching principles outlined by the council of less complexity in federal programs, faster assistance, and cost savings at all levels.”
Some disaster experts are concerned that local governments and nonprofits may not be able to fill potential gaps left by a reduced federal presence. For instance, limiting survivor aid to those whose homes are uninhabitable “would dramatically increase the level of displacement and economic insecurity” for low-income survivors, according to Noah Patton, director of disaster recovery at the National Low-Income Housing Coalition.
When asked about the council’s proposal, former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate told CBS News, “Reports are often issued — what changes is the question.”
Most significant changes proposed by the council would require legislative action. A FEMA reform act was passed out of a House committee last year, but no further action has been taken on it.
Former FEMA Chief of Staff Michael Coen told CBS News that “the next step should be collaboration between the executive branch and Congress.” He added that “the goals of these recommendations can’t fully be implemented without legislative statutory changes.” He also noted that “none of these recommendations will be easy to implement. FEMA has been changing and improving since 1979 and the work continues.”
Patton expressed skepticism about the likelihood of lawmakers passing FEMA reform legislation soon, especially given the limited time before the midterm elections. He emphasized that the recommendations are not yet finalized.
“It is important to remember that these are suggestions — they aren’t set in stone,” he concluded.
