Garamendi calls out current FEMA administrator for not confirming if the agency will continue

In case you missed it, Congressman John Garamendi called out Trump’s Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson in yesterday’s Congressional Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Hearing for not confirming whether the lifesaving agency will survive the Trump Administration.

President Trump and his administration have repeatedly said they want to eliminate FEMA.

In his first week in office, Trump talked openly about “maybe getting rid of FEMA.”

In March, Secretary Noem said, “we’re going to eliminate FEMA.”

In June, Trump said FEMA could be eliminated as soon as December, saying he wanted to “wean off of FEMA” and “bring it back to the state level.”

And it’s more than just Trump’s words – it’s his actions. Trump has decimated a third of the agency’s staff, firing top leaders and forcing others out.

In the wake of the Texas floods and rising climate disasters across the country, FEMA is more important than ever. This vital agency provides direct on the ground support in the wake of natural disasters including fire relief, delivers relief funds for states and local governments, and works with the Small Business Administration to provide access to low-interest loans for families in need of rebuilding.

Transcript of exchange
Garamendi
“Can you commit to us today that FEMA will exist in the future? Will it be able to carry out its functions under the law and under the needs of this nation? Or do you not know?”

Richardson
“What I can commit to is the President wants a better emergency management [system] for the American people. And that’s a noble goal. The president is a noble man. That’s what he wants. He wants a better emergency management capability.”

Garamendi
“Does that mean FEMA is gone and there will be something new and different?”

Richardson
“In his wisdom and with Secretary Noem and Secretary Hegseth, the President has appointed a FEMA counsel … ”

Garamendi
“So the answer is blowing in the wind? You cannot confirm that it is a policy of the administration to maintain FEMA? I understand that.”