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Subcommittee Chairman Strong Schedules Hearing to Review FEMA's Capabilities and Readiness

Subcommittee Chairman Strong Schedules Hearing to Review FEMA's Capabilities and Readiness

Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology Chairman Dale Strong (R-AL) has announced a hearing for Thursday, November 19, to assess the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) capabilities and readiness. The hearing, titled “Beyond the Storm: Assessing FEMA’s Mission Readiness,” will feature testimony from The Honorable Cameron Hamilton, Administrator of FEMA. Key discussion points will include recent developments concerning FEMA’s structure and governance, such as the addition of federal disaster assistance delivery to the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) High-Risk List. The hearing will also address FEMA’s administration of preparedness grants and its integration of functions from the now-dissolved U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD). This follows a previous subcommittee hearing in March 2025, which focused on the future of FEMA from the perspective of the emergency management community. Chairman Strong emphasized the criti...

FEMA Announces $400 Million in Flood Mitigation Assistance Funding for Fiscal Year 2026

FEMA Announces $400 Million in Flood Mitigation Assistance Funding for Fiscal Year 2026

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced the availability of up to $400 million in funding for its Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program for fiscal year 2026. This federal funding aims to reduce flood risk for policyholders and decrease the financial exposure of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The funding is allocated across several categories: $20 million for capability and capacity building activities, $260 million for localized flood risk reduction projects, and $120 million for individual flood mitigation projects. Eligible sub-applicants, including local governments, cities, townships, counties, special district governments, state agencies, and federally recognized Tribal Nations, must be participating in the NFIP and not be withdrawn, on probation, or suspended. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) is receiving Letters of Interest until December 4, with completed applications due by January 15, 2027, after PEMA approval.

FEMA Administrator Hamilton Proposes Shifting Disaster Responsibility to States, Raising Concerns Over Local Impact

FEMA Administrator Hamilton Proposes Shifting Disaster Responsibility to States, Raising Concerns Over Local Impact

FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton has outlined plans to reduce state and local dependence on federal disaster assistance. In an October 15 memo, Hamilton called for stronger state emergency management capabilities and greater responsibility for preparedness and recovery. These proposals echo recommendations from President Trump’s FEMA Review Council, which suggested giving states and private insurers more responsibility for disaster response. The Council has also proposed raising the bar for federal disaster declarations and requiring states to spend more before requesting federal aid. An analysis by the Council indicated that 29% of disasters declared between 2012 and 2025 would not have met an inflation-adjusted indicator, though these events accounted for only 0.69% of federal funding. Critics argue that while building state capacity is a worthy goal, simply shifting responsibility may not reduce overall damage and expense, but rather transfer the financial burden from Washington to local communities....

House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Standardize SBA Disaster Loan Information

House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Standardize SBA Disaster Loan Information

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Disaster Loan Outreach Consistency Act (H.R. 10355), a bipartisan bill co-led by CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds and Rep. Analilia Mejia, D-N.J. This legislation aims to mandate the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide consistent and accurate information to disaster survivors and small businesses seeking federal assistance. The bill's passage follows a May 2026 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that highlighted inconsistencies in outreach materials across SBA disaster field offices. The GAO report found that information provided to applicants varied significantly, particularly regarding eligibility for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance without first applying for an SBA disaster loan. Delegate King-Hinds emphasized that disaster survivors should receive uniform information regardless of which SBA field office handles their case. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for further consideration.

Mystic Alerts Act Becomes Law, Integrating Satellite Emergency Alerts into Federal System Amidst Expert Skepticism

Mystic Alerts Act Becomes Law, Integrating Satellite Emergency Alerts into Federal System Amidst Expert Skepticism

The Mystic Alerts Act, signed into law by President Trump on October 22, establishes a federal framework for wireless providers to deliver emergency alerts via satellite networks. This legislation aims to provide an alternative communication method during disasters when traditional cellular infrastructure is compromised. The law directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to set requirements for mobile service providers regarding satellite-based Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). However, it does not mandate all providers to offer this service; participating providers must indicate their intent, while those opting out must inform customers. The FCC is tasked with publishing a proposed rulemaking within six months and a final rule within 18 months, with the effective date set for at least three years after the final rule's publication. The act is named after Camp Mystic, a Texas summer camp where a 2025 floo...

Research Explores Impact of Individual Background on Understanding Severe Weather Messaging

Research Explores Impact of Individual Background on Understanding Severe Weather Messaging

New research is investigating how individuals' backgrounds and experiences influence their understanding of severe weather warnings issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). The NWS issues over 50,000 warnings annually across the country, but their effectiveness hinges on public comprehension. The study aims to understand how people interpret these messages, particularly the technical language and jargon used. For instance, someone from the West Coast, unfamiliar with tornadoes, might panic upon receiving a tornado warning in Oklahoma, while a long-term Oklahoma resident might experience 'warning fatigue' from frequent alerts. The research emphasizes that misunderstanding a warning, such as confusing a 'watch' with a 'warning,' can be as dangerous as not understanding it at all. The study involves surveying students and faculty at South Dakota Mines, who come from various regions, to assess their comprehension of meteorological terminology and its impact on decision-making.

Senate Passes Bipartisan Water Research Optimization Act Led by Senator Katie Britt and Senator Peter Welch

Senate Passes Bipartisan Water Research Optimization Act Led by Senator Katie Britt and Senator Peter Welch

The U.S. Senate recently passed the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization (WEATHER) Act of 2026 by unanimous consent. This comprehensive legislative package aims to modernize weather forecasting and research. Included within this package is the bipartisan Water Research Optimization Act of 2025, co-led by U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and U.S. Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.). This specific legislation seeks to streamline and enhance hydrological forecasting by officially establishing the National Water Center in Tuscaloosa as the primary hub for coordinating flood forecasting and model development across various federal agencies. Senator Britt emphasized that the work at the National Water Center is crucial for communities nationwide in preparing for floods, droughts, and severe weather events.

Oregon Department of Transportation Faces Lowest Staffing in 27 Years, Warns of Service Cuts

Oregon Department of Transportation Faces Lowest Staffing in 27 Years, Warns of Service Cuts

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has reached its lowest staffing level in 27 years, with nearly 15% fewer employees than in 1999. The agency currently has approximately 700 vacant positions despite being authorized to employ over 4,800 people. This reduction is attributed to declining revenues, budget constraints, significant employee departures, potential layoffs, and hiring freezes. The staffing shortages are impacting various transportation services, including snow removal, bridge repair, road maintenance, and customer assistance at Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices. Interim Director Chris Warner acknowledged that while ODOT is committed to efficiency, low staffing levels are beginning to reduce services for Oregonians. The agency has secured short-term funding to fill some maintenance positions ahead of the winter season, and the Oregon Legislature redirected funds earlier this year to support day-to-day operations through 2027.

Senate Unanimously Passes Bipartisan Weather Forecasting Bill to Modernize NOAA Programs

Senate Unanimously Passes Bipartisan Weather Forecasting Bill to Modernize NOAA Programs

The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed the bipartisan Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026 (Weather Act). This legislation reauthorizes numerous weather forecasting and hazard communication programs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The bill, a bicameral agreement, is now expected to be taken up by the House of Representatives and sent to the President's desk before the end of the 119th Congress. Key sponsors include Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member. The Weather Act incorporates over a dozen bipartisan bills, including Senator Cruz’s NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act, which aims to upgrade weather radio equipment for more reliable emergency broadcasts. The legislation was developed in response to gaps identified after the deadly July 2025 floods in Texas’ Hill Country.

Senator Cantwell Leads Unanimous Senate Passage of Weather Act Reauthorization to Strengthen NOAA Programs

Senator Cantwell Leads Unanimous Senate Passage of Weather Act Reauthorization to Strengthen NOAA Programs

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, successfully led the unanimous Senate passage of the bipartisan Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026 (Weather Act). This legislation has now been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Weather Act is designed to authorize and strengthen programs within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), focusing on enhancing weather research and forecasting capabilities. The goal is to improve the nation's preparedness and response to dangerous weather disasters, ultimately saving lives. Senator Cantwell, a long-time advocate for NOAA, previously secured $3.3 billion in NOAA investments through the Inflation Reduction Act to support climate change adaptation, scientific understanding of weather patterns, and advanced computing for extreme weather prediction. The bill also incorporates elements from her Fire Ready Nation Act, w...

Senate Unanimously Passes Weather Act to Modernize Forecasting and Hurricane Prediction

Senate Unanimously Passes Weather Act to Modernize Forecasting and Hurricane Prediction

The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026, also known as the Weather Act (S. 3923). This comprehensive bill aims to modernize the nation's weather forecasting system and reauthorize various programs under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Key provisions include establishing the Hurricane Forecast Improvement Program as a long-term initiative to enhance predictions of rapid hurricane intensification, storm tracks, and storm surge. The legislation also directs NOAA to design and deploy the next generation of weather radar by 2037, address current radar coverage gaps, and upgrade NOAA Weather Radio equipment, expanding its coverage in rural areas. Additionally, the bill reauthorizes the national Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Program and mandates a new interagency effort on extreme heat. Introduced by Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., the bill now moves t...

Federal Officials Review Flood Damage in Polk County, Tennessee, Following Copperhill Flooding

Federal Officials Review Flood Damage in Polk County, Tennessee, Following Copperhill Flooding

Federal officials, including representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), have joined a review of flood damage in Polk County, Tennessee. This assessment follows severe flooding in Copperhill, which prompted the Tennessee Emergency Management Authority (TEMA) to activate the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 4 – Elevated. TEMA also activated the Tennessee Emergency Management Plan to coordinate support for local response efforts. Over 100 people and 25 dogs were rescued in Tennessee and Georgia by Tennessee Fire Mutual Aid swift-water teams. The Copperhill evacuation order has since been lifted, and cleanup and debris removal are underway. Residents are advised to document damage before cleanup and follow local guidance.