Context:

In the wake of catastrophic floods in Central Texas, FEMA faced severe criticism for failing to respond to nearly two-thirds of calls from survivors due to a lapse in call center staffing. This issue arose when contracts for hundreds of call center workers were not renewed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, leading to a massive reduction in FEMA's ability to handle calls. The situation was exacerbated by a new policy requiring Noem's personal approval for expenses over $100,000, which delayed the reactivation of these contracts. The agency's slow response and the lack of emergency team deployment raised concerns among lawmakers and added to the scrutiny surrounding FEMA's operations. President Trump's administration has expressed interest in reforming FEMA and transferring more responsibilities to state governments, amidst ongoing debates about the agency's effectiveness and future role.

Dive Deeper:

• FEMA did not answer nearly two-thirds of disaster assistance calls following devastating floods in Texas, as the agency had laid off call center contractors after their contracts expired and were not renewed on time.

• Kristi Noem, the Homeland Security Secretary, delayed renewing contracts due to a policy requiring her to personally approve expenses over $100,000, which hindered FEMA's ability to respond to the surge in calls from flood survivors.

• On July 5, FEMA managed to answer nearly all calls received, but after the contractors were let go, the agency's response rate dropped dramatically to 35.8% on July 6 and 15.9% on July 7.

• Frustration among FEMA officials grew as the lack of renewed contracts impeded their capacity to provide essential services to disaster victims, who rely heavily on phone assistance for navigating aid programs.

• Democratic lawmakers criticized the delay in deploying search-and-rescue teams and the new expense approval requirement, while President Trump and his administration have been considering reforms to shift more responsibilities to states.

• The Trump administration's previous decision to end FEMA's door-to-door assistance program has compounded challenges for disaster survivors trying to access aid.

• Proposals for FEMA's overhaul include potential shifts in responsibility and cost to state governments, as White House officials evaluate the agency's effectiveness and future operations.