FEMA: Increased Demand and Capacity Strains (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Dec. 2, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IF12834 |
| Report Type |
In Focus |
| Authors |
Erica A. Lee; Daniela E. Lacalle; William L. Painter |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Disasters in the United States have become more frequent,
severe, and expensive in recent years. Government agencies
and scientific experts expect these trends to continue due to
climate change and increased development and population
in areas vulnerable to hazards. These factors have
intensified demands on the resources, programs, and
personnel of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA)—the agency responsible for leading federal
disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation
efforts and administering assistance under the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
(Stafford Act, P.L. 93, 288, as amended). Consequences
include attrition and staffing shortages, strained operational
efforts, and insufficient disaster relief funds.
As FEMA faces growing demand for its assistance and
related challenges, Congress may consider the scope of
FEMA’s mission, the appropriate role of the federal
government in emergency management, and how to shore
up FEMA’s workforce.
