Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast Sen. Andy Kim on FEMA After The Flood, Trump’s New Tune on Putin
Jul 15, 2025
Senator Andy Kim, a New Jersey lawmaker with a rich background in the State Department and Pentagon, discusses vital issues affecting his state. He highlights the inadequacies in FEMA's response to recent flooding and calls for urgent reforms in disaster management. The Senator also addresses the upcoming vote on a rescission bill that threatens foreign aid funding, and critiques the shifting narratives of U.S. leadership in response to the war in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of maintaining global alliances.
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New Jersey Flooding Impact
- New Jersey experienced unexpected flooding that caught many communities off guard.
- Residents in Somerset and Union counties reported significant impact, illustrating ongoing vulnerability to storms.
FEMA's Bureaucratic Challenges
- FEMA's leadership and policies have hindered disaster response effectiveness.
- Bureaucratic delays, like personalized sign-offs on grants, slow urgent aid.
Cuts in Disaster Prevention Grants
- The federal government revoked $3.6 billion in disaster prevention grants to communities.
- This undermines state preparedness for hurricanes, wildfires, and other catastrophes.