A top official at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has expressed concerns about the current threshold for declaring major disasters in the United States. During a congressional hearing on Wednesday, FEMA associate administrator Gregg Phillips stated that the nation’s current threshold is too low and called for changes in the agency’s policies under the Trump administration.

In his testimony, Phillips highlighted the challenges that FEMA faces in responding to disasters across the country. He emphasized that the agency’s resources are stretched thin due to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters. This has prompted Phillips to call for a reassessment of the current threshold for declaring major disasters.

According to Phillips, the current threshold is an “artificially low” number that does not accurately reflect the true impact of disasters on affected communities. He argued that this threshold does not take into account the long-term effects of disasters, such as economic and social disruptions, which can have a lasting impact on communities.

Phillips also pointed out that the current threshold is not aligned with the rising costs of disaster response and recovery. He explained that the agency’s budget is often depleted by the numerous disasters that occur each year, leaving FEMA ill-equipped to handle major disasters that may occur in the future.

The FEMA official’s remarks have sparked a debate about the agency’s policies and the need for a more sustainable approach to disaster response. Many experts and lawmakers have expressed their support for Phillips’ call for a higher threshold, stating that it would provide the agency with the necessary resources to effectively respond to disasters.

In light of these concerns, the Trump administration has promised to review FEMA’s policies and make necessary changes to improve the agency’s capabilities. This includes reassessing the threshold for declaring major disasters, as well as finding ways to make disaster response and recovery more efficient and effective.

While the current threshold may have been suitable in the past, the changing climate and increasing frequency of natural disasters have made it clear that a higher threshold is needed. As Phillips stated, “We cannot continue to operate under an outdated threshold that does not reflect the reality of the situation.”

Many are hopeful that the Trump administration will take decisive action to address this issue and provide FEMA with the necessary resources to respond to disasters effectively. With a higher threshold, the agency will be better equipped to provide assistance to affected communities and help them recover from the devastating impact of natural disasters.

In addition to reassessing the threshold, FEMA is also looking into other ways to improve disaster response and recovery. This includes investing in new technologies, such as drones and artificial intelligence, to enhance the agency’s capabilities. It also involves working closely with state and local governments to ensure a coordinated and efficient response to disasters.

Despite the challenges facing FEMA, the agency remains dedicated to its mission of providing assistance to those in need. As Phillips stated, “Our goal is to ensure that FEMA is prepared to respond to any disaster, no matter the size or scope.” With the support of the Trump administration and a reassessment of the disaster threshold, FEMA will be better equipped to fulfill this mission and provide much-needed aid to communities in times of crisis.

In conclusion, the concerns raised by FEMA associate administrator Gregg Phillips about the current threshold for declaring major disasters highlight the need for a more sustainable approach to disaster response. With the support of the Trump administration, the agency is taking steps to address this issue and improve its capabilities to respond to disasters. By reassessing the threshold and investing in new technologies, FEMA will be better equipped to fulfill its crucial role in helping communities recover from the devastating impact of natural disasters.