Lawmakers question FEMA policy shifts: end to unaccompanied canvassing and push to shift responsibilities to states

Representative Underwood and other members told Acting Administrator Hamilton they were alarmed by an internal FEMA memo that said the agency would discontinue unaccompanied FEMA door‑to‑door canvassing and by executive‑level directives to shift more responsibility to states.

Underwood said the canvassing change "will disproportionately hurt disabled Americans, seniors, rural residents, and caregivers" and described canvassing as "boots on the ground" that, for many survivors, provide the first meaningful point of contact. She argued that virtual or phone options are insufficient where Internet, phone or transportation are disrupted.

Hamilton said the administration supports a phased partnership approach with states that will "mentor states and locals on building capacity and capability" and said the goal is to encourage greater state investment. He argued FEMA has been used too often as a financial backstop for routine issues and said thresholds for federal involvement should be higher so FEMA can prioritize when states are truly overwhelmed.

Members repeatedly asked how those changes align with the Stafford Act’s federal support standard. Hamilton acknowledged the Stafford Act requirement that the federal government assist “when state and local capabilities are exceeded” and said FEMA seeks to “raise the threshold so that FEMA can truly prioritize efforts where the state is in fact overwhelmed.”

No formal policy changes were voted on during the hearing. Members requested that FEMA provide copies of memos and implementation plans and asked for assurances about how the agency will maintain access for people unable to use online systems or travel to recovery centers.