A bipartisan group in Congress is advancing legislation to prohibit political discrimination in federal disaster relief, following reports that FEMA workers skipped homes displaying support for President Trump. The proposed reforms aim to overhaul FEMA operations, enhance state control, and safeguard Americans from politically motivated aid denials.
Representatives Sam Graves (R-MO) and Rick Larson (D-WA) introduced a draft bill that would make FEMA an independent agency reporting directly to the president. The legislation seeks to decentralize disaster response by transferring significant responsibilities to states and streamlining the rebuilding process through faster, project-based grants. Additionally, the bill would add “political affiliation” as a protected status under federal law, ensuring that disaster assistance is distributed impartially.
This initiative follows a 2024 incident in Lake Placid, Florida, where FEMA supervisor Marn’i Washington instructed relief workers to avoid homes displaying Trump signs. The directive led to over 20 homes being skipped, resulting in the termination of Washington and three other FEMA employees.
Senator James Lankford (R-OK) previously introduced the “Stopping Political Discrimination in Disaster Assistance Act,” aiming to amend the Stafford Act to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on political affiliation in disaster aid distribution. The bill garnered bipartisan support, with co-sponsors including Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Ted Budd (R-NC), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Gary Peters (D-MI).
President Trump has called for significant reforms to FEMA, including the possibility of dismantling the agency and shifting disaster response responsibilities to states. In line with this vision, Acting FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton was replaced by Department of Homeland Security official David Richardson after expressing opposition to eliminating FEMA.
The proposed legislation also aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles by simplifying the application process for disaster assistance, encouraging states to invest in mitigation efforts, and decreasing reliance on costly consultants. These reforms are intended to expedite aid delivery and ensure that assistance reaches those in need without political bias.
