Story perspectives

FEMA Struggles Amid Shutdown, Advocates Push for Reform

2/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

The ongoing partial U.S. government shutdown is harming the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), limiting funding and capacity.
FEMA has paused Emergency Management Performance Grants essential for local disaster preparedness.
FEMA faces scrutiny over ties to Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Advocates push for the FEMA Act to restore independence and improve access to federal assistance for low-income households, amid concerns over potential delays in relief.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. government shutdown, lasting from October 1 to 17, resulted from a budget impasse over the Affordable Care Act, impacting federal services like FEMA. During this period, FEMA's budget was cut by approximately $1.5 billion, hindering disaster response efforts. The current partial shutdown raises similar concerns, as FEMA's Emergency Management Performance Grants are again stalled, threatening local disaster preparedness.

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Story summary

The ongoing partial U.S. government shutdown is harming the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), limiting funding and capacity.
FEMA has paused Emergency Management Performance Grants essential for local disaster preparedness.
FEMA faces scrutiny over ties to Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Advocates push for the FEMA Act to restore independence and improve access to federal assistance for low-income households, amid concerns over potential delays in relief.

1 / 2