Congressman Tim Moore Introduces Bipartisan FEMA Caseworker Accountability Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) introduced H.R. 9683, the FEMA Caseworker Accountability Act, which would hold Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) accountable for case management staff turnover. This bipartisan legislation is co-led by Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (D-NC-04).

"When disasters strike, families deserve timely, reliable assistance from experienced caseworkers who can help them navigate the recovery process," said Congressman Moore. "In the wake of Hurricane Helene, I've heard from far too many North Carolinians who have struggled to get clear answers from FEMA or faced unnecessary delays. This legislation will strengthen oversight by requiring reports on FEMA's workforce challenges and the steps they are taking to improve retention rates."

"When our communities are experiencing extreme weather emergencies, like Tropical Storm Chantal or Hurricane Helene, FEMA is the place we turn to for support. While FEMA continues to play such a critical role in disaster relief, it's important that Congress can verify the agency's employment numbers and supports efforts to reduce employee turnover," said Congresswoman Foushee. "I'm proud to introduce the FEMA Caseworker Accountability Act with Congressman Moore to help ensure FEMA remains properly staffed and that disaster relief is reaching our communities effectively."

Additional Background:

The FEMA Caseworker Accountability Act would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit a report that includes the turnover rate, the average and median lengths of employment, and the steps FEMA is taking or planning to take to reduce the turnover rate. This legislation will provide Congress with the information necessary to evaluate FEMA's workforce challenges and efforts to improve staff retention.

Under current law, FEMA is not required to report on the turnover and rotation among staff in case management, despite the longstanding concerns about staffing shortages and low employee retention rates during disaster response. By providing greater transparency into FEMA's workforce, this legislation would help inform future efforts to strengthen the agency's disaster response capabilities.

Read the full text of the bill HERE.