The NPR Politics Podcast What Does The Federal Response To Texas Floods Indicate About FEMA's Future?
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Jul 14, 2025 
Rebecca Hersher, NPR Climate Correspondent, delves into FEMA's role in responding to Texas floods amid political tensions. The discussion reveals the emotional impact on leaders during disaster visits and examines challenges in disaster funding allocations. Hersher highlights the rising pressure on FEMA due to climate change and the implications of proposed legislative changes. The conversation also addresses the effects of federal funding cuts on disaster preparedness, stressing the urgent need for a coordinated response to increasing climate-related disasters.
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Federal Disaster Response Process
- The federal disaster response usually follows a pattern: local response, state request for a presidential disaster declaration, then federal aid allocation.
- Funding typically covers infrastructure repair, individual aid, and future disaster mitigation, but timing and approval vary by incident.
FEMA's Delayed Texas Flood Response
- The Texas floods showed delays and gaps in FEMA's flood response, including slow approval of individual assistance.
- This contrasts with usual expediency and raised questions about FEMA's efficiency and priorities.
Tension Over FEMA's Future Role
- President Trump aims to phase out FEMA, shifting disaster responsibility to states, but Texas officials praise FEMA's vital help.
- This creates a tension between perceived FEMA effectiveness and the drive to eliminate the agency.