Overview
- A draft obtained by news outlets outlines cutting roughly 50% of FEMA’s workforce, rebranding the agency as “FEMA 2.0,” and moving many positions out of Washington, D.C.
- The plan keeps FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security after pressure from Secretary Kristi Noem, despite calls from veterans and public commenters for independence.
- Proposals include 30‑day disaster block grants to states, higher state cost shares, raised thresholds for federal declarations, and a single capped direct payment for individual survivors.
- The report says workforce reductions could occur over two to three years with savings returned to states, while core capabilities like Urban Search and Rescue would remain federal.
- Several elements would require legislation or regulatory changes, as stakeholders voice concern and Congress weighs a bipartisan FEMA Act that would make the agency independent and also create block grants.