“There has been recent interest in reviewing the federal role in disaster response,” according to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that came out on April 22. Its conclusion: “Federal and state officials emphasized the need for adequate time for state and local governments to prepare for any changes in disaster response roles since they currently rely on significant federal support.”

The federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been essential to cities and states that are struck by natural disasters. For example, “In response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the 2025 Los Angeles (LA) wildfires, and the 2025 Texas floods, FEMA provided over $3 billion to 1.2 million individuals and households” reported the GAO.

One of the difficulties has been the intergovernmental effort to assist individuals or businesses who are in dire need. Though this has been essential help, and FEMA has been attempting to simplify ‘application requirements and increase eligibility for certain assistance,” there remain many shortcomings in its services that stand in the way of cities, counties and states recovering from a tornado, wildfire, hurricane or other unexpected and unpredicted disasters.

Following are some of the major challenges confronted by entities that seek help from FEMA, according to the GAO report:

• “Reaching FEMA's helpline. FEMA data show that most survivors affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the Texas floods faced long wait times and could not reach a representative when trying to apply for assistance through FEMA's helpline”

• “Understanding FEMA's letters. Some survivors faced challenges interpreting letters from FEMA regarding their eligibility for assistance. For example, some survivors thought letters requesting more information were denial letters, according to FEMA and state officials. FEMA revised its letters in 2024 and 2025 to incorporate more plain language and clearer instructions.”

• “Securing post-disaster housing. Survivors of recent disasters and officials from all levels of government experienced long-standing housing challenges. For example, FEMA officials said that it was challenging for the agency to support post-disaster housing for survivors after Hurricane Helene destroyed many of the housing resources that were already constrained before the storm hit. 

Additionally, FEMA officials reported issues that delayed the agency's ability to provide direct housing—such as needing to set up septic tanks and energy meters before making manufactured housing units available.”

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