Washington, D.C.—Today, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), Subcommittee on Public Buildings, Economic Development and Emergency Management Ranking Member Greg Stanton (D-AZ), House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Robert Garcia (D-CA) and House Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Senior Official David Richardson following the Trump Administration’s unlawful retaliation against FEMA employees that sounded the alarm about failed Agency operations.
“FEMA employees spoke up directly because the mismanagement at the agency is putting American lives at risk,” the Members wrote. “FEMA’s current mismanagement and lack of preparedness ahead of disasters undercuts the federal government’s ability to respond effectively and could result in a significant loss of life.”
“Instead of taking these concerns seriously, FEMA put staff on leave when the agency is already suffering from the loss of 2,000 employees since the start of the Trump administration, including senior leadership,” the Members continued.
The Members concluded by demanding FEMA follow the law and reinstate the whistleblowers while providing a detailed explanation for their illegal retaliation.
To read the full letter and list of questions, click here.
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