Stanton Defends FEMA from Trump Admin Attacks in Transportation and Infrastructure Hearing, Urges Expanded Authorities to Respond to Wildfires, Extreme Heat

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In one of his first hearings as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management, Rep. Greg Stanton defended the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from political attacks. President Donald Trump and senior members of his Administration have repeatedly called for abolishing the lifesaving agency, and threatened to put conditions on aid to disaster victims. “FEMA is where Americans look for help after what may have been the worst day of their life,” said Rep. Stanton . “I will never support eliminating FEMA or conditions for emergency disaster assistance. Whether a state votes red or blue; they are American and are entitled to assistance.” Stanton also criticized Elon Musk’s ‘DOGE’ for ‘wreaking havoc’ at the agency. “They have accessed secure government systems that include disaster survivors’ personal information and slowed the delivery of FEMA assistance. I am deeply troubled to have learned that all FEMA grants are now subject to an additional review to ensure they are complementary to Trump’s political agenda," he said. Stanton did acknowledge the need to thoughtfully reform FEMA to ensure it can better meet the needs of Americans recovering from natural disasters, including wildfires and extreme heat. “In Arizona, we know that FEMA can do better. Last summer, extreme heat caused temperatures in my district were nearly unlivable. We experienced unending 100-degree temperatures for over a month. However, FEMA was nowhere to be found because the Agency has not yet adapted to emerging disasters like extreme heat,” he said. He has led legislation to make FEMA better equipped to respond to worsening wildfires, and two bills that would empower FEMA to respond to extreme heat. Video of his remarks is HERE .