The Plan for FEMA Reform: Fewer People in D.C., More Responsibility for States

A FEMA Review Council final report stops short of abolishing FEMA, but proposes a smaller agency focused on catastrophic disasters.

Routine disaster response and recovery would shift more to states, tribes, territories, counties, and cities.

The plan would reshape declaration rules, aid programs, and funding, while leaving some reforms dependent on Congress.

Supporters say it could speed aid and cut bureaucracy; critics warn it could increase risk and strain local governments.