The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a Request for Information (RFI) titled “Request for Public Input on Experiences With FEMA Disaster Responses.”  Responses to this RFI will inform the FEMA Review Council, created by Executive Order 14180 in January, to advise the President on all recommended changes related to FEMA to best serve the national interest.  Per the RFI, “FEMA Review Council requests information from the public and other interested stakeholders to help identify potential programmatic and organizational improvements to FEMA, informed by experiences with FEMA in disasters.”

Questions include “Were local or state authorities or private groups able to provide assistance in a more timely or efficient way than FEMA?,” “Was FEMA’s response timely and efficient to assist in your recovery?,” and “What recommendations would you like the Council to make?”

Comments must be received by May 15, 2025.  Comments should be submitted online or by email to FEMAreviewcouncil@hq.dhs.gov with Docket No. DHS-2025-0013 in the subject line of the message.  The contact person is Patrick Powers, Designated Federal Officer of the FEMA Review Council.

The FEMA Review Council now has its own webpage.  The Review Council’s charter can also be viewed online.  Council members are not yet listed, besides co-chairs Kristi Noem and Pete Hegseth.  Patrick Powers is the designated contact person for this Council.  He can be reached at FEMAreviewcouncil@hq.dhs.gov or (202) 891-2283 with inquiries.