The Downgrading of FEMA: A Critical Factor in the Failing Response to Hurricane Katrina

Strategic Insights -

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the disastrous response of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has sparked widespread criticism and analysis. However, a critical factor in FEMA's inability to respond effectively is the downgrading of the agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2003. This reorganization was largely driven by the focus on terrorism in the aftermath of 9/11, with FEMA's role and resources being subsumed under the broader "homeland security" umbrella. As a result, the agency's ability to respond to natural disasters like hurricanes was significantly compromised.

Key Takeaways:

  • In 2003, FEMA was absorbed into the Department of Homeland Security and had its role and resources significantly reduced.
  • The downgrading of FEMA was largely driven by the focus on terrorism in the aftermath of 9/11.
  • FEMA's inability to respond effectively to Hurricane Katrina was a result of the agency's reduced resources and capacity.
  • The National Guard, which would have been invaluable in responding to the disaster, had been deployed to Iraq, leaving states with limited heavy equipment.
  • Disaster experts like William Waugh and Walter Peacock warned that the downgrading of FEMA would hobble its ability to respond to natural disasters.

Statistics:

  • In 2003, FEMA was absorbed into the Department of Homeland Security, along with 21 other federal departments and 180,000 employees.
  • The budget for disaster relief was reduced from $2.8 billion in 2001 to $2.0 billion in 2003.
  • In 2001, Budget Director Mitch Daniels warned that federal disaster assistance had evolved into an "oversized entitlement program" and a disincentive to effective state and local risk management.
  • As of 2005, Louisiana had approximately 60% of its citizen soldiers and half of its heavy equipment deployed to Iraq.

Sources:

  • Suzanne Mencer, former senior official with the Department of Homeland Security (Gallagher, 2005)
  • Walter Peacock, director of the Hazard Reduction and Recovery Centre at Texas A&M University (Gallagher, 2005)
  • Mitch Daniels, Budget Director (Gallagher, 2005)
  • William Waugh, disaster expert with Georgia State University (Gallagher, 2005)
  • "Gallagher Report" (2005), Gambit.