In an interview with CBS News on Monday, Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) said FEMA needs to be faster and “no longer functions” as part of the Department of Homeland Security. insisted.
CBS Washington correspondent Major Garrett said, “In his inaugural address, President Trump downplayed the federal government's ability to respond to natural disasters. He mentioned North Carolina and California. You're an emergency management official in Florida. Do you agree with that assessment and do you think President Trump is wrong to deny the federal government's response?
Mr. Moskowitz replied: “Well, let me say this: I have the utmost respect for everyone who works at FEMA. It's a thankless job for them. It's a department that deals with disaster after disaster. They continue to work 18 hours a day, and after COVID-19, And these people are America's first responders. This is a bipartisan agency that helps people in times of trouble. But I think the president is right on this point. I don't think it's working in Homeland anymore. I think Homeland has become too big and too bureaucratic. …I think FEMA needs to get out of Homeland to be faster.”
He added that FEMA should be an independent agency, saying, “From a response standpoint, I think FEMA is probably not as nimble as it used to be, but I put the blame for that on the bureaucracy of the Department of Homeland Security.” There is,” he added. ”
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