During a Senate committee hearing on Wednesday, Cameron Hamilton, President Donald Trump's nominee to head the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), affirmed his commitment to ensuring that disaster recovery efforts are impartial and equitable. Hamilton, who previously served as the agency's acting head, faced inquiries from both Democratic and Republican senators regarding FEMA's response to natural disasters and the agency's perceived bias in disaster aid distribution.
Democratic senators expressed concerns about a reported disparity in disaster declarations, highlighting that Republican-controlled states received a significantly higher percentage of approved funding requests compared to those led by Democrats. Michigan Senator Gary Peters referenced a Politico article indicating that Democratic states saw only 23% of their requests approved, while Republican states had an approval rate of 89%. He criticized this trend, stating, "Denying over 75% of requests from states that are led by representatives of another party is unconscionable."
New Hampshire Senator Maggie Hassan echoed these sentiments, labeling it "unacceptable" for federal disaster aid to be influenced by political affiliation. She asked Hamilton if he believed that politics should not factor into disaster assistance decisions, to which he agreed, asserting that he does not think Trump would withhold aid for political reasons.
Hamilton's confirmation hearing also featured criticism from Missouri Senator Josh Hawley, who showcased the aftermath of tornadoes in St. Louis, emphasizing the slow response of FEMA in providing necessary aid. Hamilton acknowledged the need for improvements in the agency's disaster declaration process and customer service.
Senator Richard Blumenthal raised concerns about staffing levels at FEMA, questioning whether recent reductions could hinder the agency's effectiveness. Hamilton confirmed that efforts are underway to restore nearly 350 critical positions to better meet the agency's needs.
Additionally, Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego urged Hamilton to adopt a tailored approach for disaster response in Western states, which face unique challenges such as wildfires. Hamilton recognized the need for FEMA to adapt its strategies to address the specific circumstances of different regions.
Reported by HarborBeat based on Maryland Matters (source).
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