Wicker: Eager to Improve FEMA
By U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.)
President Exploring Proposals to Reform Disaster Relief
Recent natural disasters have put a spotlight on the federal government’s role in relief and recovery. Hurricane Helene and the Los Angeles fires may have dominated headlines, but Mississippians are also already tragically aware of the destruction that tornadoes mean. For decades, local, state, and federal officials have worked together to prepare for bad weather and to respond when storms strike.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) takes the lead in federally declared disasters. All Mississippians are grateful for FEMA’s work in crises, and we salute the men and women who step into harm’s way to help. But our state is also familiar with FEMA’s bureaucratic weaknesses, which even now keep residents waiting far too long for crucial recovery payments.
Making FEMA More Responsive
On the campaign trail and in the White House, President Trump has listened to Americans’ concerns with FEMA’s inefficiency. He is considering a variety of ways to improve the agency. The president has floated a full-scale reorganization of FEMA. He has also proposed smaller steps, such as increasing the role of the states in disaster response.
In January, the administration established a “FEMA Review Council.” This group will include high-level Cabinet officials and experienced disaster relief professionals. In the course of its work, the council intends to meet with a range of Americans, including crisis survivors, academic researchers, and nonprofit leaders. It will study the agency’s past performance and recommend changes to its future mission. I look forward to hearing the president’s ideas to make FEMA more responsive.
World-Class Weather Forecasting
In Congress, I have been working to help Mississippians prepare for and recover from disaster. We cannot prevent bad weather, but we can work to improve the warnings that tell us storms are on the way. This year, I reintroduced the TORNADO Act, along with a number of my colleagues from storm-prone states. The bill would tap into the expertise of weather trackers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The scientists and researchers at NOAA have developed world-class weather forecasting models. We can use these tools to deliver even faster warnings to residents in the path of a storm. The TORNADO Act would bring cutting-edge best practices and scientific insights to the notification systems used in communities across the country. Ultimately, this should empower Mississippians to protect their families, homes, and businesses.
This year, I also cosponsored legislation that would improve disaster recovery. The bill, called the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act of 2025, would make tax-free any relief payments Americans receive from their states. The last thing storm survivors need is to pay federal income tax on funds meant to help them rebuild.
Make a Plan This Tornado Season
Mississippians have gained hard-won expertise at storm preparation and recovery. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has weathered many storms and has developed excellent guides to help individuals and families get ready for dangerous weather situations. Residents can access these documents at MEMA’s new website (msema.org), which is now easier to navigate and is fully operational on mobile devices. Above all, Mississippians should make a plan for their household so we can be as prepared as possible for tornado season.
Note: This item is the weekly Wicker Report column of Sen. Roger Wicker and provided by the Senator’s office.
