The acting head of FEMA, David Richardson, defended the agency’s handling of the recent devastating floods in central Texas, which claimed at least 136 lives. Speaking to a House committee, he rejected criticism that federal response efforts were slow or disorganized.
Richardson said the coordination between federal and state agencies worked well, calling it “a model for how disasters should be handled.” He pushed back against reports that federal search and rescue teams were delayed due to new rules requiring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s approval for contracts over $100,000. According to Richardson, FEMA teams were deployed on the ground in Texas by July 4, just a day after the floods began, and additional support arrived quickly.
At the same hearing, some lawmakers expressed frustration that more FEMA urban search-and-rescue teams were not ready in advance. Representative Greg Stanton questioned why more teams weren’t pre-positioned before the disaster, suggesting it was a missed opportunity.
Tensions surfaced with the recent resignation of Ken Pagurek, who led FEMA’s urban search-and-rescue program. He reportedly grew frustrated over delays within the agency. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson dismissed his resignation as an overreaction to necessary financial reviews.
Richardson also denied claims that FEMA’s phone lines went mostly unanswered in the days after the flooding due to contract lapses with outside call centers. He said the majority of calls were answered promptly and that contracts had not lapsed, contradicting reports from The New York Times and statements from Secretary Noem calling those reports “fake news.”
While Richardson stayed in Washington during much of the disaster response, he said he was working behind the scenes to cut through bureaucracy. He visited Texas only after most initial emergency needs had been met.
The question of FEMA’s future remains uncertain. President Donald Trump has hinted at limiting the agency’s role, proposing to phase out FEMA and return responsibilities to state governments following hurricane season. This comes amid criticism that the federal government has delayed disaster declarations for some states, leaving them waiting months for assistance.
During the hearing, lawmakers pressed Richardson about FEMA’s preparedness and funding. Concerns were raised about the loss of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, canceled earlier this year by Trump, which provided important mitigation grants. Twenty states are suing the administration over the program’s cancellation.
A FEMA review council, co-chaired by Noem, is working on recommendations to reshape the agency. Noem has called for FEMA to be completely reformed. Meanwhile, lawmakers across party lines plan to introduce legislation aimed at making FEMA an independent Cabinet-level agency, boosting disaster readiness, and improving aid for survivors.
In the wake of the deadly floods, the debate over how FEMA operates and supports states continues. Richardson stands firm that the agency did what was needed in Texas, but questions about funding, leadership, and future priorities remain front and center.