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FEMA Plans Major Layoffs, Threatening Disaster Response Readiness

1/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

FEMA faces 2026 staffing cuts after documents show plans to lay off thousands of disaster-response workers.
The layoffs began on New Year’s Eve, affecting about 65 positions in FEMA’s Cadre of On-Call Response and Recovery (CORE).
Secretary Kristi Noem has been linked to these reductions, raising concerns about the agency's emergency readiness.
Recent changes restrict FEMA's authority to renew contracts, leaving workers uncertain about employment status.

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Story summary

FEMA faces 2026 staffing cuts after documents show plans to lay off thousands of disaster-response workers.
The layoffs began on New Year’s Eve, affecting about 65 positions in FEMA’s Cadre of On-Call Response and Recovery (CORE).
Secretary Kristi Noem has been linked to these reductions, raising concerns about the agency's emergency readiness.
Recent changes restrict FEMA's authority to renew contracts, leaving workers uncertain about employment status.