Officials Warn DHS Shutdown Could Strain FEMA Disaster Relief

By MES Dispatch staff

The Briefing
• Department of Homeland Security leadership warned that a potential DHS shutdown could strain Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster relief capabilities if a major catastrophe occurs, even though FEMA can continue some emergency response early on.
• FEMA officials said the agency’s Disaster Relief Fund has sufficient balances to maintain immediate response activities but could be heavily stressed by a large-scale event during a funding lapse.
• Prolonged funding gaps are expected to disrupt long-term disaster planning, coordination with state and local partners, reimbursements and first responder training programs.
• A DHS shutdown appeared likely as congressional negotiations stalled over immigration-related policy demands tied to the department’s funding bill.

WASHINGTON, DC — Federal emergency management officials warned that a funding lapse for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) could strain the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) ability to support disaster relief, particularly if a major catastrophe occurs during the lapse in appropriations.

Gregg Phillips, FEMA associate administrator, said the agency’s Disaster Relief Fund has adequate balances to continue immediate emergency response activities early in a shutdown, but they would be seriously stretched in the event of a large-scale disaster.

Officials testified that while FEMA can respond to ongoing threats such as flooding and winter storms, long-term planning, coordination with state and local partners and first responder training could be “irrevocably impacted” if funding gaps persist.

The warning comes as lawmakers in both chambers failed to finalize a funding deal for DHS before a scheduled recess, increasing the likelihood of a partial government shutdown.

FEMA disaster reimbursement programs, grant awards and preparatory exercises also face delays, and officials said the disruptions would reduce cooperation and readiness with state and local emergency responders.