Five senior Senate Democrats accused the Federal Emergency Management Agency of obstructing Congress by failing to respond to lawmakers’ letters since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025.
The lawmakers made the accusation in a letter to the Homeland Security inspector general asking for a briefing on “all complaints” the office received regarding FEMA since January 2025.
The letter says FEMA’s “failure to respond” to letters from Democrats and Republicans in Congress“ is an abdication of their responsibilities under the law” and is obstructing Congress’ oversight duties.
The letter also says FEMA “appeared to retaliate against staff engaged in protected activities,” referring to a December CNN report that the administration had suspended employees who signed an open letter in August assailing agency leadership under Trump.
