Ranking Members Larsen, Titus Statements from Hearing on the State of FEMA Disaster Readiness, Response and Recovery

Hearing

"Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank Administrator Criswell for joining us today as we discuss FEMA's readiness to lead disaster response and recovery.

Since your testimony to this Subcommittee last year, climate change and the related severe weather events have continued to generate dire circumstances for FEMA. The Disaster Relief Fund, which serves as the backbone for FEMA's response and recovery programs, is nearing depletion. It is of the utmost importance that Congress fulfill President Biden's supplemental funding request, free of any poison pills, so FEMA can continue providing the necessary resources for ongoing recovery efforts, including those in Maui and Florida, and needs that will emerge in the near future. I greatly appreciate your steadfast leadership and the dedication of FEMA's staff during this challenging time.

My home state of Nevada has experienced terrifying impacts in the wake of the new climate reality, and I want to take the time to acknowledge all of the emergency managers across the state and in my district who have been working diligently to prepare for and respond to extreme weather threatening our communities. This summer we all held our breaths as a hurricane threatened to cross the desert. Meanwhile, Las Vegas has experienced unrelenting extreme heat and repeated flash floods. What's more, is that a record drought in the West indicates these disasters will only grow worse in the coming years and we must work together to ensure Nevadan communities are ready to handle their consequences.

Solutions must guarantee that all disaster survivors and communities are treated fairly by FEMA's programs. Natural disasters amplify existing disparities in our society and it should go without saying that the government must address the needs of every American equally in disaster recovery. Some of our most vulnerable populations, however, have been neglected or overlooked. The subcommittee has received testimony from underserved communities over time regarding frustration with FEMA's attention to their needs in times of recovery.

Administrator, I know you recognize these long-standing disparities and are working with us to change them. We appreciate your work to implement new laws and policies that will have long-term benefits, improve the well-being of victims following disasters, and enhance the resilience of our public infrastructure and homes.

I especially value your public support for reforms in a bill introduced by myself, Congressman Garret Graves, Congressman Troy Carter, and Congresswoman Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon--the Disaster Survivor Fairness Act, which passed out of the full committee unanimously earlier this year. This legislation is designed to make federal disaster aid more easily accessible to survivors, and it is my hope this bill can contribute to FEMA adapting to the current disaster climate. It removes barriers to aid by creating a universal application for federal disaster assistance and empowers the agency to assess home damage more fairly and accurately post-disaster. This should ease the burden on families applying for disaster assistance after what might have been the worst days of their lives.

Administrator, I thank you and your colleagues for the work you have done to shepherd FEMA in a positive direction by acknowledging and addressing the impacts of climate change, prioritizing equity, and investing in mitigation and resilience. We recognize the challenges you face, and we want to do everything in our power to help you succeed.

Thank you."

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