Council To Assess the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Establishes a new FEMA Review Council — co-chaired by the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense — to assess FEMA's performance, structure, and priorities over the past four years and recommend reforms to the President.
Creates a time-limited advisory body that must hold its first public meeting within 90 days and deliver a formal report within 180 days of that meeting, with the Council set to dissolve after one year unless extended.
What this order does
What it orders
The order establishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council, a body of up to 20 members including the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense as Co-Chairs, relevant agency heads, and outside experts in disaster relief, emergency preparedness, and budget management. The Council is directed to assess FEMA's disaster response over the past four years, compare it with state and private-sector responses, examine FEMA's historical role, and evaluate whether FEMA should act as a supplemental support agency to states rather than supplanting state control. It must solicit public comment and deliver a written report to the President with findings and reform recommendations.
The order does not itself restructure or abolish FEMA; any actual changes to the agency depend on future presidential or legislative action following the Council's report. The Council terminates one year from the signing date unless the President extends it, and members serve without compensation.
Who it affects
The Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense, up to 18 additional Council members drawn from federal agencies and outside experts, and FEMA itself as the subject of review. State, local, and Tribal governments, disaster survivors, and nonprofit organizations are invited to provide input to the Council.
Why it matters
Americans affected by major disasters like Hurricane Helene could see FEMA's structure and priorities significantly reformed based on the Council's findings. State and local governments may gain a larger formal role in disaster response if the Council recommends shifting away from the current federal-led model.
What must happen and when
How the order is supposed to work
The Council reports upward through the National Security Advisor, the Homeland Security Advisor, and the OMB Director. DHS funds and staffs the Council using existing appropriations. The Council holds its first public meeting within 90 days, then has 180 days to submit its report — meaning the report is due roughly nine months after signing. The Council can create subcommittees and technical advisory groups. It terminates at one year unless the President extends it; any actual FEMA reforms require separate presidential or congressional action after the report is received.
Actions and deadlines
- Hold the Council's first public meeting
- Submit the Council's full report and recommendations to the President
- Terminate the Council unless extended by the President