Story perspectives

Senate Confirms Ex-Navy SEAL Hamilton as FEMA Chief

8/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Senate confirmed former Navy SEAL Cameron Hamilton as FEMA administrator in a 51-47 vote.
He pledged to keep FEMA objective, fair and lawful while seeking cost-saving reforms.
Union of Concerned Scientists analyst Shana Udvardy said Hamilton lacks the experience required by post-Katrina law.
He assumes leadership during a summer marked by Spokane wildfires, floods and over 1,000 open disaster declarations.

History

Historical Context

After Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in August 2005, FEMA director Michael Brown was pulled from the response and replaced by Coast Guard Vice Admiral Thad W. Allen; more than 46,000 National Guard troops were deployed and the Coast Guard rescued over 10,000 people. The crisis prompted President George W. Bush to declare a federal emergency, and today the Senate’s 51-47 confirmation of Navy SEAL Cameron Hamilton revives that leadership overhaul.

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Story summary

The Senate confirmed former Navy SEAL Cameron Hamilton as FEMA administrator in a 51-47 vote.
He pledged to keep FEMA objective, fair and lawful while seeking cost-saving reforms.
Union of Concerned Scientists analyst Shana Udvardy said Hamilton lacks the experience required by post-Katrina law.
He assumes leadership during a summer marked by Spokane wildfires, floods and over 1,000 open disaster declarations.

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