FEMA Proposes Nearly $1 Billion Cuts to Emergency Management Grants

FEMA is proposing nearly $1 billion in cuts that would eliminate funding for more than half of its emergency management and homeland security grant programs, including the Urban Areas Security Initiative, its largest grant program. These grants help fire, EMS, and emergency management agencies improve disaster preparedness, upgrade equipment, train personnel, and bolster security against threats like terrorism, natural disasters, and cyberattacks. The Trump administration aims to reduce FEMA’s financial footprint by shifting greater responsibility for disaster preparedness to state and local governments. Internal FEMA memos acknowledge that these cuts increase vulnerability to catastrophic incidents and could undermine national security, especially in major cities and border areas. Homeland Security officials justify the reductions as necessary to focus spending on FEMA’s core mission and minimize waste. However, concerns remain about whether local agencies are adequately prepared to handle these responsibilities with reduced funding.