Blumenthal Questions Noem on FEMA Staff Reductions' Effect on Connecticut Flood Recovery Efforts
Blumenthal to Noem: “What’s your plan to replace them?”
[Washington, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal yesterday pressed U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem about the consequences of one-fifth of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) personnel accepting a buyout has had on natural disaster preparedness and recovery, including last year’s devastating and deadly floods in Connecticut.
“How are you going to meet the needs of our constituents…Connecticut suffered floods recently. I saw FEMA in action then and over the years. They are dedicated and vigorous public servants, they appear and spend hours and days and weeks caring for people. You’re losing a fifth of them, including most of the leadership, what’s your plan to replace them?” Blumenthal asked Noem.
Video of Blumenthal’s full exchange with Noem is available here.
In August 2024, historic flooding in Southbury, Oxford, and the Naugatuck Valley destroyed homes and businesses and tragically killed two people. Within days, FEMA was on the ground assessing the damage and working with municipalities to secure federal aid for recovery.
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