DHS secretary calls for US states to lead disaster response instead of Fema
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<p>Markwayne Mullin visits Asheville to survey Hurricane Helene recovery in first big trip since Kristi Noem’s ouster</p><p>Markwayne Mullin, the US homeland security secretary, used a visit to Asheville, North Carolina to call for a fundamental shift in the role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema), arguing that states and local governments – not the federal agency – should lead disaster response.</p><p>“We shouldn’t look at Fema as being a first respo
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DHS secretary calls for US states to lead disaster response instead of Fema Markwayne Mullin visits Asheville to survey Hurricane Helene recovery in first big trip since Kristi Noem’s ouster Markwayne Mullin, the US homeland security secretary, used a visit to Asheville, North Carolina to call for a fundamental shift in the role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency , arguing that states and local governments – not the federal agency – should lead disaster response. “We shouldn’t look at Fema as being a first responder, but look at Fema as supporting the first responders you already have,” Mullin told reporters at a roundtable discussion. Mullin’s remarks came as he toured western North Carolina to highlight federal recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene , which devastated the region in September 2024. It marked Mullin’s first major public visit since being confirmed by the Senate last month and as the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security , which oversees Fema, enters its eighth week. Mullin’s record on the climate crisis and disaster preparedness has sparked criticism from recovery experts . Critics also note that Mullin does not appear to have a background in disaster management, having never served on either the House homeland security committee or the Senate homeland security committee. But earlier this week, Mullin moved to clear a backlog of home buyout requests that Fema acknowledged had been “severely stalled” by red tape , and rescinded a rule requiring personal approval of contracts over $100,000 that critics said had hobbled the agency’s response. He explained that he’ll be “briefing the president on 22 other disasters around the nation”. “The state is much more equipped. Neighbors are much more equipped. Local mayors are much more equipped. Emergency response from the states have much better equipment than Fema,” Mullin said. Mullin’s comments come as the agency has faced intense scrutiny over its handling of Helene recovery. Mullin’s pr...
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