MONTPELIER, Vt. — A recent statement by U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has triggered a wave of reactions across the country, including here in Vermont.
In the cabinet meeting, Noem asserted, “We are going to eliminate FEMA.” This statement aligns with criticisms previously made by President Donald Trump, who has suggested a reevaluation and potential downsizing of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
While Noem did not provide further details on the plan, her comment has left many in disaster-prone regions, like Vermont, concerned about their future response capabilities.
Local leaders voiced their concerns on Monday, arguing that FEMA has been crucial in helping individuals recover from disasters over the years.
“The federal government can’t step away from disaster response. The states don’t have the capacity to do it. Municipalities don’t have the capacity to do it,” said Nicolas Storellicastro, city manager of Barre.
Others, like Jon Copans, the executive director of the Montpelier Commission for Recovery and Resilience, echoed these thoughts, acknowledging FEMA’s flaws but emphasizing its vital role.
“I don’t mind if it’s not called FEMA anymore, but the services they provide to communities after disasters are essential. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, FEMA’s role is more important than ever,” Copans said.
While acknowledging FEMA’s flaws, Storellicastro said he believes reforming the agency, rather than eliminating it, is the better approach.
“A disaster doesn’t care if you’re in a blue state or a red state; it affects everyone the same. The financial responsibility must remain with the federal government,” he said.
In response to Noem’s comment, Vermont Sen. Peter Welch took to social media, stating ‘Eliminating FEMA altogether would make disasters more deadly and destructive and make it much harder for communities to recover.
Trump has advocated for states to take on more responsibility for disaster management rather than have the federal government step in.
Recently, he signed an executive order to review FEMA’s operations, though the timeline for any changes or restructuring remains unclear.
Story Written by Yunier Martinez, NBC5
Story Link: https://www.mynbc5.com/article/kristi-noem-eliminate-fema-vermont-welch/64289090