Washington, Aug. 26 -- More than 180 current and former employees of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a public letter on Monday warning that recent U.S. policy changes and leadership decisions are weakening the agency's ability to respond to disasters, raising the risks of catastrophes similar to Hurricane Katrina.
The letter, titled "Katrina Declaration and Petition to Congress," was prompted in response to the Trump administration's "dismantling cuts" and "devastating attacks" on FEMA programs and missions.
"Since January 2025, FEMA has been under the leadership of individuals lacking legal qualifications, Senate approval, and the demonstrated background required of a FEMA Administrator," said the letter.
It s...