Rep. Payne, Jr. Wants Clarity on FEMA Staffing Situation for Future Disasters

Media Contact: Patrick Wright -- Patrick.Wright@mail.house.gov

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. wants an update on whether FEMA has the workforce to handle other natural disasters as well as a potential long-term coronavirus threat. Rep. Payne, Jr. wrote a letter to Peter Gaynor, administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), today to ask about current FEMA staff and how many reservists could be called up in case there are other events that require federal assistance, such as a major hurricane or flood. The letter is co-signed by Reps. Cedric Richmond, Max Rose, Lauren Underwood, Al Green, and Yvette Clarke.

"As the country battles the coronavirus, FEMA officials have had to respond to demands in every state," said Congressman Payne, Jr. "But we know that other natural disasters aren't going to wait for this global pandemic to end before they strike. I want to make sure FEMA officials have the necessary staff to deal with several disasters at once."

Rep. Payne, Jr. is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery of the House Committee on Homeland Security. He is responsible for monitoring the nation's preparations for natural disasters, how it responds to them when they happen, and how best to recover from them.

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