Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) has launched a bipartisan initiative demanding answers and accountability from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for what he described as “botched responses” to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Donalds, joined by a coalition of lawmakers, criticized FEMA’s handling of disaster relief efforts, citing excessive bureaucracy and inefficiencies that have left many hurricane victims across the Southeastern United States struggling to access aid.
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The initiative calls on FEMA to develop a clear, accessible roadmap for disaster survivors. This roadmap would provide details on the types and amounts of aid available, expected timelines for receiving assistance, and guidance on the decisions victims will need to make in the aftermath of a disaster.
“If you live in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Tennessee, then you know how unnecessarily complicated and overly bureaucratic the FEMA portal is,” said Donalds. “FEMA should be in the business of helping Americans, not denying coverage over red tape. I stand with Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) in demanding that FEMA puts the American people first.”
Donalds’ initiative has garnered the backing of several lawmakers, including Reps. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Gary Palmer (R-AL), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Scott DesJarlais, M.D. (R-TN), Richard McCormick, M.D. (R-GA), Michael Guest (R-MS), Dan Bishop (R-NC), and Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC).
In a letter addressed to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, the lawmakers outlined their concerns over FEMA’s lack of effective communication and accessibility for disaster survivors.
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“After a major disaster, our constituents have many questions, but as was evident following Hurricane Helene and many other disasters, there were no clear answers,” the letter states. “Many people were hearing from FEMA about what they cannot do instead of being informed about what it can do.”
The letter highlights FEMA’s failure to provide straightforward information during the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The lawmakers argued that FEMA’s briefings often focus on statistics—such as funds distributed or volunteers mobilized—while neglecting to provide clear guidance for affected residents.
“FEMA needs to minimize bureaucracy and make it easier for people to gain access to programs offered as quickly as possible,” the letter continues. “Creating a simple roadmap that answers the biggest questions survivors have following a disaster is the bare minimum we expect.”
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Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated large swaths of the Southeastern U.S., leaving thousands displaced and in need of immediate assistance. Critics have accused FEMA of poor communication, delays in deploying resources, and creating unnecessary hurdles for those seeking aid.
The letter requests a response from FEMA by December 24, 2024, and emphasizes the importance of reforming disaster relief systems to better serve communities in times of crisis.
“This is about holding FEMA accountable and ensuring it fulfills its mission of helping people before, during, and after disasters,” Donalds stated.
The coalition of lawmakers pledged to continue pushing for improvements in FEMA’s processes to prevent similar issues in future disaster responses.
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