DHS secretary nominee Mullin presents a different vision for FEMA than predecessor Noem
PBS • • nation
Key Points:
- Rep. Markwayne Mullin expressed support for FEMA's mission and emphasized the need to improve its effectiveness, speed up disaster payment reimbursements, and better serve rural communities during his nomination hearing.
- Mullin criticized the prolonged reimbursement process, calling months or years to receive payments unacceptable, and indicated he would revoke South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem's directive requiring her personal approval for certain FEMA expenditures.
- Mullin advocated for a locally led disaster response with FEMA playing a supportive role and hinted at potential leadership changes, noting the agency currently operates under its third acting administrator without a permanent head.
- Some former FEMA officials welcomed Mullin's remarks as a positive shift from previous turmoil, while disaster survivor advocates remained cautious, awaiting concrete actions to
