History shows why FEMA is essential in disasters, and how losing independent agency status hurt its ability to function

By: Susan L. Cutter, University of South Carolina, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: November 20, 2025

Words: 1,443

Last Updated: 4 days, 16 hours ago

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By Susan L. Cutter, University of South Carolina

When the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s urban search and rescue team resigned after the deadly July 4, 2025, Texas floods, he told colleagues he was frustrated with bureaucratic hurdles that had delayed the team’s response to the disaster, acccording to media reports. The move highlighted an ongoing challenge at FEMA.

Ever since the agency lost its independent status and became part of the …

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