Ranking Members Amo and Stanton Slam Trump’s Staffing Cuts to FEMA and NWS After Tragic Texas Flooding

Providence, RI - Yesterday, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee Subcommittee on Environment and Congressman Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Ranking Member of the Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management Subcommittee of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure hosted a virtual press conference to highlight the potentially deadly consequences of President Trump's staffing cuts to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS).

"My thoughts are with the families and survivors of the flash floods in Texas. Despite a lack of support from the Trump administration, National Weather Service staff kept local officials and the public informed throughout the deadly flooding. " said Ranking Member of the Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on the Environment, Gabe Amo (D-RI). "I've kept raising the alarm about the costs of cuts to our nation's weather workforce and our ability to research and respond to climate-fueled weather disasters. Refusing to study extreme weather and purging our scientific workforce isn't going to stop disasters and help families, it's just going to undermine our ability to be prepared and save lives."

"My heart breaks for the families in Texas who have been devastated by these horrific floods," said Congressman Greg Stanton (D-AZ). "Extreme weather is only becoming more frequent and more severe, from wildfires to extreme heat in Arizona to flash floods in Texas, the federal government must be fully staffed, fully funded and fully prepared to respond to these disasters. Texans and all Americans deserve a FEMA that is strong, capable and ready on day one, not one deliberately undermined by its own leadership. As we continue to pray for all of those affected, House Democrats will continue to relentlessly demand transparency and accountability for and on behalf of the American people, especially those experiencing unimaginable tragedy."

Watch the full press conference here.

Background

On July 4, after heavy rain in the Texas Hill Country, the Guadalupe and other rivers breached their banks causing catastrophic flooding leaving more than 120 dead.

Ranking Member Amo and Ranking Member Stanton alongside Science, Space, and Technology Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA) sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) seeking answers on federal activity in preparation for and in response to the tragic floods.

Amo, Ranking Member Lofgren, and Science, Space, and Technology Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Member Emilia Sykes (D-OH) also sent a letter calling on Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to testify before the Committee about the staffing shortages at the National Weather Service and their potential impact on the Texas flash floods.

Amo also joined Homeland Security Subcommittee onEmergency Management And Technology Ranking Member Timothy Kennedy (D-NY) in calling for answers from Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson and Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for NOAA Laura Grimm about the status of FEMA and the National Weather Service's preparedness for and response to the disastrous flooding in Texas.

###