Secretary Kristi Noem confirms no “formalized final plan” exists for FEMA restructuring amid significant proposed budget cuts and Republican efforts to reform disaster response.
At a Glance
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem faces pressure over reported plans to dismantle FEMA, though she states no formal restructuring plan exists
- Proposed budget cuts would reduce FEMA funding by $646 million and eliminate the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program
- President Trump has established a FEMA Review Council co-led by Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to recommend reforms
- House Democrats warn that dismantling FEMA would erode federal emergency response capabilities and leave communities vulnerable
- Budget shifts focus to border security with increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement while cutting FEMA, CISA, and TSA
FEMA’s Uncertain Future Under Scrutiny
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s recent testimony before Congress has put FEMA’s future in question, creating significant concern among lawmakers about America’s disaster preparedness. The administration’s budget proposal includes substantial cuts to the Federal Emergency Management Agency while simultaneously boosting funding for border security operations.
This shift in priorities has triggered intense debate in Washington about national emergency readiness at a time when natural disasters continue to challenge communities across America. Though reports suggested FEMA might be dismantled entirely, Noem has clarified that no formal restructuring plan exists, leaving the agency’s future direction uncertain.
The proposed budget would cut FEMA’s non-discretionary grants by $646 million and has already terminated the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which many lawmakers supported for its role in helping communities prepare for disasters before they strike. Supporters of the administration’s approach suggest these changes reflect a philosophy of returning more responsibility to state governments, while critics argue they could leave the nation vulnerable during major catastrophes. President Trump has established a FEMA Review Council to recommend reforms, with Secretary Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth leading the effort.
New Noem plan leaves FEMA on the chopping block https://t.co/EUKYphVhOW via @politico
— Shirley Fields 🍷 (@Queenyati) March 28, 2025
Congressional Opposition to FEMA Changes
House Democrats have mounted a significant defense of FEMA, urging Noem to abandon any plans that might weaken the agency. Key Democratic leaders, including Representatives Bennie G. Thompson and Rick Larsen, sent a formal letter highlighting FEMA’s crucial role in disaster response. The Democratic lawmakers emphasized that dismantling the agency would erode federal capabilities that have been built over decades. This partisan divide reflects broader philosophical differences about the proper role of federal agencies in emergency management and disaster response.
“FEMA is the only Federal agency with the sole responsibility for helping communities across the country before, during, and after disasters.”, said Bennie G. Thompson, Rick Larsen, Rosa DeLauro, Maxine Waters, and Zoe Lofgren.
Republicans supporting the administration’s approach point to President Trump’s previous criticisms of FEMA’s performance during various disaster responses. Many conservatives have long advocated for a more state-centered approach to emergency management, arguing that local authorities better understand their communities’ specific needs and can respond more efficiently when properly supported.
This perspective aligns with traditional conservative values of limited federal government and enhanced state authority. However, the lack of a clearly articulated replacement plan has left many questioning how disaster response would function under a restructured system.
It’s not just FEMA. This is creeping into every part of our lives—chipping away at the invisible structures and people we used to take for granted, the ones who kept us safe, healthy, and prepared without ever asking for attention. https://t.co/hVPrb20DRy
— Emerging Crises (@EmergingCrises) March 29, 2025
Broader DHS Budget Restructuring
The proposed changes to FEMA are part of a larger restructuring of the Department of Homeland Security’s budget priorities. While reducing FEMA funding, the administration has proposed significant cuts to other security agencies, including a $491 million reduction for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and a $247 million decrease for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). These cuts would eliminate unfilled positions and reduce the number of transportation security officers at airports, a move that has already faced opposition from airport authorities concerned about security implications.
“Your actions with respect to FEMA are contrary to your own sworn testimony, and you are putting lives at risk and hurting our Nation’s ability to respond to disasters and other Emergencies.”, the group added.
Subcommittee Chairman Mark Amodei has emphasized the need for more detailed information about these proposed changes, requesting routine briefings and reports from DHS regarding shifts in programs and policies. The administration’s stated goal is to eliminate “duplicative” programs while focusing resources on border security and immigration enforcement. For taxpayers concerned about government spending and national security, these budget discussions represent a fundamental rethinking of priorities that will likely shape America’s emergency response capabilities for years to come.
