Story perspectives

Trump-Signed $26B DHS Bill Triggers FEMA Staff Reinstatement, $1B Grants

5/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reinstated 14 employees after eight months of paid administrative leave.
Staff signed the “Katrina Declaration” on Aug. 25, 2025 warning of risk from Trump policies.
They were ordered back on April 30, 2026, when President Donald Trump signed a DHS bill allocating $26 billion to FEMA.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin released more than $1 billion in backlogged grants, extended staff contracts, and slated a FEMA Review Council recommendation report next week.

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Story summary

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reinstated 14 employees after eight months of paid administrative leave.
Staff signed the “Katrina Declaration” on Aug. 25, 2025 warning of risk from Trump policies.
They were ordered back on April 30, 2026, when President Donald Trump signed a DHS bill allocating $26 billion to FEMA.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin released more than $1 billion in backlogged grants, extended staff contracts, and slated a FEMA Review Council recommendation report next week.