Rainey Center Urges Congress to Modernize FEMA for Greater Efficiency and Disaster Response

Washington, D.C. – The Joseph Rainey Center for Public Policy released a memo today outlining urgent reforms needed at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to improve disaster response, reduce bureaucracy, and save taxpayers billions of dollars.
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The memo "Optimizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency" highlights five key recommendations, including creating a single disaster aid application, providing permanent housing solutions, and empowering states to manage their recovery efforts. With FEMA’s current processes hampered by outdated systems and excessive red tape, the Rainey Center’s proposed reforms offer a path toward greater efficiency and customer service for disaster survivors.

“FEMA’s mission must be laser-focused on response and recovery,” said Sarah E. Hunt, President of the Rainey Center. “By streamlining operations and embracing modern technology, we can ensure that disaster survivors receive timely, effective assistance while protecting taxpayers’ dollars.”

The memo illustrates that structural and policy changes can help FEMA better meet its mission and prepare communities for future disasters. Specific policy proposals include amending the Stafford Act to allow permanent housing assistance and empowering states to lead their disaster recovery efforts with greater autonomy and federal support.

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The Rainey Center is a public policy research organization and leadership community of elected officials across the nation, cultivating new ideas and new leadership to address America’s most pressing challenges. They work across political divides, on difficult issues, towards a bright future of opportunity for all Americans.

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