TAMPA, Fla. – The Federal Emergency Administration Company (FEMA) is dealing with one other management shakeup simply weeks earlier than hurricane season begins. After months of mounting stress with the Trump administration, former FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton has been fired — simply someday after testifying earlier than Congress.
“FEMA was established to supply targeted assist in really catastrophic disasters,” Hamilton stated throughout his testimony Wednesday. “But at instances we now have strayed removed from that core mission and developed into an overextended federal paperwork.”
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Hamilton reiterating, “I don’t consider it’s in the perfect pursuits of the American individuals to remove the Federal Emergency Administration Company.”
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Twenty-four hours later, he was ousted.
His dismissal follows continued criticism from President Donald Trump, who has overtly questioned the company’s worth.
What they’re saying:
“FEMA has been a really large disappointment,” Trump stated earlier this yr. “They price an incredible amount of cash, very bureaucratic and really sluggish. I feel that drawback must be taken care of by the state. That’s what we now have states for.”
In Hamilton’s place, a brand new appearing director, David Richardson, has taken the helm — and he’s not holding again. Chatting with FEMA workers, Richardson reportedly warned he’ll “run proper over anybody that resists modifications.”
The change in management has Florida lawmakers fearful, weeks earlier than storm season.
“I feel all Floridians and all People must be involved that we do not have a director of FEMA, that there is indications that FEMA funding can be minimize and left as much as the states,” stated State Rep. Lindsay Cross (D-Pinellas). “It’s actually regarding that we’re not going to have the manpower, the assets.”
MORE: Hurricane Preparedness Week: Residents voice considerations as hurricane season approaches
The Trump administration this week introduced a brand new FEMA Evaluation Council, a gaggle of emergency administration consultants tasked with overhauling what Trump referred to as a “terribly damaged system.” Amongst its members: Tampa Mayor Jane Castor.
“I feel it’s an awesome thought, and I’m excited that I’ve been requested to be part of that,” stated Castor.
The Supply: The data on this story was gathered by FOX 13’s Evyn Moon.
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