As Floridians, we know the devastating power of natural disasters. From hurricanes to flash flooding, our communities face unique challenges every year. That’s why, this week in the Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee, we took steps to advance legislation that restructures and strengthens the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA.
On Wednesday, the T&I Committee voted to pass the FEMA Act of 2025, which would make FEMA a cabinet-level agency where its administrator reports directly to the President. That means cutting through layers of bureaucracy and red tape during a disaster. When the unthinkable happens, FEMA’s new Secretary would report directly to the Oval Office to ensure faster action and clearer coordination. And by streamlining FEMA, it means that its vital programs and tools can be more accessible to families, businesses, and local governments during a hurricane.
The Act also strictly prohibits any political discrimination in providing disaster recovery assistance by establishing a website to track federal assistance nationwide. I voted to advance the bill so that it can come before the House floor for a vote, getting us one step further to the best possible response when the worst happens.
