More than 180 current and former Federal Emergency Management Agency employees signed a letter criticizing staff and program cuts and warning that FEMA's capacity to respond to a major disaster was dangerously diminished. Thirty-five signed with names and 141 signed anonymously citing fear of retribution. At least two signatories received notices placing them on indefinite administrative leave with pay while requiring daily check-ins confirming availability. The leave notice said the decision was not disciplinary and not intended to be punitive, and FEMA did not immediately answer questions about the notices. The dissent cited six opposition points, including contract approval limits, reassignment to ICE, failure to appoint a qualified administrator, and cuts to mitigation, training, and workforce. A FEMA spokesperson said the administration has prioritized accountability and reform so taxpayer dollars reach intended people and communities.
Some employees of the Federal Emergency Management Agency who signed a public letter of dissent earlier this week were put on administrative leave Tuesday evening, according to documents reviewed by The Associated Press. More than 180 current and former FEMA employees signed the letter sent to the FEMA Review Council and Congress on Monday critiquing recent cuts to agency staff and programs, and warning that FEMA's capacity to respond to a major disaster was dangerously diminished.
The Washington Post first reported that some FEMA employees were being put on leave. The dissent letter contained six "statements of opposition" to current policies at FEMA, including an expenditure approval policy by which Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem must approve contracts exceeding $100,000, which the signatories said reduces FEMA's ability to perform its mission.
Collection
[
|
...
]