Fact Check: Craig Fugate, the former chief of FEMA, stated that the agency 'was never intended' to do what it does today.

Fact Check: "Craig Fugate, the former chief of FEMA, stated that the agency 'was never intended' to do what it does today."

What We Know

Craig Fugate served as the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from May 2009 to January 2017. During his tenure, he emphasized the need for a shift in how FEMA operated, focusing on community involvement and preparedness rather than solely on federal response. In a 2016 interview, Fugate remarked on the evolution of FEMA's role, suggesting that the agency's current responsibilities were not what it was originally designed for. He stated, "Congress never intended for FEMA to supplant state and local governments" (Governing). This indicates that while FEMA has expanded its role significantly, it was not originally intended to take on the comprehensive disaster management responsibilities it holds today.

Analysis

The claim that Fugate stated FEMA "was never intended" to operate as it does today is supported by his own comments regarding the agency's evolution and the expectations set by Congress. His assertion reflects a broader understanding of the agency's original mandate, which was primarily to support state and local governments in disaster response rather than to lead those efforts (Governing).

However, the context of his statement is crucial. Fugate's comments are often framed within discussions about the need for better coordination and the importance of local governance in disaster management. He has been quoted as saying that FEMA's role has changed due to the increasing frequency and complexity of disasters, which necessitated a more robust federal response (Government Executive).

Fugate's perspective is credible, given his extensive experience in emergency management, both at the state level in Florida and at FEMA. His leadership during significant disasters has been recognized as transformative, focusing on community resilience and preparedness (Government Executive).

While Fugate's assertion is accurate in terms of the agency's original intent, it is also a reflection of the changing landscape of disaster management in the United States. The evolution of FEMA's role can be seen as a response to the increasing demands placed on the agency by both natural disasters and public expectations.

Conclusion

The claim that Craig Fugate stated FEMA "was never intended" to do what it does today is Partially True. While Fugate did express that the agency's current responsibilities exceed its original mandate, he also emphasized the importance of adapting to new challenges in disaster management. Thus, while the statement captures a significant aspect of Fugate's views, it does not fully encompass the nuances of his perspective on FEMA's evolving role.

Sources

1. NOMINATION OF W. CRAIG FUGATE
2. The 'Things That Don’t Make a Lot of Noise:' Craig Fugate
3. Written Statement of Craig Fugate Administrator
4. FEMA's Plan to Make States Pay More for Disasters
5. Speed vs. accountability: Fixing FEMA and the stakes for ...
6. FEMA's Craig Fugate, On His Replacement And Hatred For ...
7. The Solution to FEMA's Budget Woes Is Not More Money
8. Podcast – Reframing Hurricane Response: Craig Fugate