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FEMA caseworker says halted helpline contract, staffing cuts left survivors waiting and staff on leave
Summary
A FEMA caseworker testified that recent policy changes and contract halts left disaster survivors waiting for help, that signers of a "Katrina declaration" were placed on administrative leave, and urged Congress to pass the FEMA Act of 2025, protect core staff in DHS funding, and open oversight.
A FEMA caseworker said in testimony that policy changes and contract cancellations at the agency have worsened disaster response and left survivors waiting for help. Speaking in a personal capacity, the caseworker described how a halted helpline contract and staff cuts forced agency employees to handle overwhelming call volumes and contributed to delays in assistance.
The caseworker, who identified themself as a FEMA caseworker in the Individuals and Households Program, said the agency "dismantled entire programs, canceled contracts, cut staff, censored research, delayed and denied assistance dollars," and that those changes made it harder for families affected by disasters to get timely aid. As an example, the speaker said a policy requiring the secretary of homeland security to approve FEMA expenses over $100,000 led to the FEMA helpline contractor…
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