U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, along with ten Senate colleagues, has urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to address several pressing concerns related to its operations and recent administrative decisions. The lawmakers are seeking clarity on the reported access of Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) to sensitive disaster victim data, as well as the implications of mass firings and funding freezes within FEMA.
The letter, spearheaded by Senators Peter Welch and Alex Padilla, emphasizes the need for answers regarding FEMA’s protocols for safeguarding Americans’ data and the potential impact of personnel reductions on disaster response capabilities. The Senators highlighted that their constituents in states such as Vermont, Minnesota, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Hawaii, New Mexico, Oregon, and California have faced challenges due to what they describe as a flawed federal approach to disaster resilience.
“The Administration’s destructive approach will not assist the disaster-impacted communities across the country hoping to rebuild and move forward,” stated the lawmakers. They expressed concern that recent actions could leave the nation more vulnerable to future disasters.
Senator Hirono and her colleagues previously requested information about who has access to victim data and how it is protected but did not receive a response from FEMA. In their latest correspondence addressed to Cameron Hamilton, Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator, they reiterated these inquiries while also seeking details on recent firings and grant suspensions.
The Senators questioned under what authority over 200 probationary employees were terminated between January 20 and March 5, 2025. They also asked for information on which positions were affected and how these decisions might influence FEMA’s overall performance.
Additionally, they raised concerns about suspended grants impacting frontline organizations’ ability to function effectively during emergencies. Specific examples included a Next Generation Warning System grant in Vermont being inaccessible and an Oregon healthcare provider unable to proceed with an essential project due to communication freezes within FEMA.
In addition to Senators Hirono, Welch, and Padilla, other signatories include Bernie Sanders, Jeff Merkley, Ron Wyden, Richard Blumenthal, Adam Schiff, Amy Klobuchar, Ed Markey, and Chris Van Hollen.
The Senators requested prompt responses by March 31st concerning both their previous questions about DOGE’s access to data and new inquiries related to staffing changes and grant freezes at FEMA.
