Over 180 current and former Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employees, many choosing to remain unnamed, have raised concerns by sending a letter to Congress. The letter, received on Monday, highlighted the potential risks facing FEMA under the Trump administration’s restructuring efforts. The employees cautioned that these changes could undermine the agency’s effectiveness and erode the progress made in disaster response since the failures observed during Hurricane Katrina.

The letter, which was signed by a significant number of FEMA workers, pointed out that the ongoing overhaul of the agency could compromise its authority and operational capabilities. This move has sparked fears among employees that FEMA may be ill-prepared to handle major disasters in the future, reminiscent of the deficiencies exposed during Hurricane Katrina over a decade ago.

According to the anonymous sources within FEMA, the concerns raised revolve around the perceived dismantling of the agency’s structure and operational framework. The employees argue that the changes being implemented risk rolling back nearly twenty years of advancements in disaster response and preparedness, potentially leaving the agency vulnerable to failures similar to those experienced during Hurricane Katrina.

In response to the letter, a FEMA spokesperson stated, “We take all feedback seriously and are committed to ensuring FEMA remains a robust and effective agency in providing disaster relief to communities in need.” The warning issued by the employees underscores the importance of maintaining the agency’s capabilities and authority to effectively respond to future disasters and emergencies.

As Congress reviews the concerns raised by the FEMA workers, the agency’s ability to fulfill its core mission of providing timely and efficient disaster relief is under scrutiny. The fate of FEMA’s organizational structure and operational capacity remains a focal point, as stakeholders seek to address the potential risks highlighted by those familiar with the agency’s inner workings.