Florida Congressman Jared Moskowitz urged lawmakers to prioritize depoliticizing disaster aid and addressing longstanding challenges within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during Tuesday’s House Oversight hearing.
Moskowitz emphasized the need for bipartisan collaboration to ensure FEMA remains effective and impartial in responding to crises.
Moskowitz criticized a recent incident involving a FEMA employee who was dismissed for denying aid based on perceived political affiliations. He noted a clear breakdown in communication, stating that any concerns should have been escalated through proper channels, including the federal coordinating officer and state emergency management leadership.
READ: FEMA Seeks Housing For Hurricane Survivors In Florida
“This incident highlights the importance of accountability,” Moskowitz said. “An investigation is necessary to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
Reflecting on his experience as an emergency manager, Moskowitz expressed concern about the increasing politicization of disaster aid, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Disasters should be a force field around FEMA, but that’s not the case anymore,” he said. “Partisan divisions are affecting how we respond to emergencies, and we must prevent FEMA from becoming a political battleground.”
Moskowitz pointed out systemic issues within FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), attributing inefficiencies to the agency’s sprawling bureaucracy.
“Homeland Security has grown too large. FEMA can’t make necessary changes because decisions are bogged down by too many layers of oversight,” he explained.
READ: South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace Doubles Down On Capitol Transgender Bathroom Legislation
He called for a review of DHS’s structure, noting that the challenges FEMA faces are not unique to the current administration. “These problems existed during the Trump administration and long before. If we want real reform, we need to look at the bigger picture.”
Moskowitz highlighted the strain on FEMA employees, who face high burnout rates due to the increasing frequency of disasters. He recounted his own agency’s challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, where 200 employees left due to overwhelming workloads. “This issue spans multiple administrations and underscores the need for systemic changes to support our emergency responders.”
Moskowitz also condemned the spread of disinformation around disaster aid, emphasizing its divisive impact. “Claims like laser beams causing fires in California or guiding hurricanes are being amplified by foreign actors to sow division among Americans,” he warned. “We must resist falling into these traps and focus on uniting to address real issues.”
Closing his remarks, Moskowitz reiterated the importance of bipartisan cooperation. “The challenges facing FEMA are not new, but we can solve them together. I’m committed to working across the aisle to ensure disaster aid is fair, effective, and above all, apolitical.”
Moskowitz’s appeal highlighted the need for structural reforms, accountability, and unity to strengthen FEMA’s capacity to serve Americans during crises.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.