Former Federal Officials Warn of "Disastrous" Cuts to Emergency Response Capabilities
A Community Forum from the Scituate Democratic Town Committee
SCITUATE - September 2 - Two former federal disaster response officials painted a stark picture of America's diminishing capacity to respond to natural disasters and global crises, warning residents that proposed budget cuts could leave communities like Scituate vulnerable when catastrophe strikes. Bill Schmid, who retired in August after seven years with FEMA, and Paul Bolton, former USAID mental health coordinator, told attendees that 30% workforce reductions and program eliminations represent nothing short of a "demolition" of critical safety nets.
The Full Story
Speaking to a hybrid in person and online crowd at what was billed as a non-partisan educational forum, Schmid delivered sobering details about proposed cuts to federal disaster response agencies. FEMA faces a 30% workforce reduction, while the National Weather Service, EPA, and other critical agencies supporting disaster response could see cuts ranging from 70-100% in some programs.
"We're not only talking about 30% of the workforce. We're talking about carving off a segment of the workforce that has experience, has developed relationships," Schmid explained. "All of that cannot be replaced by a political appointee that doesn't have any experience."
Schmid, who coordinated federal disaster response across New England and was deployed to over 30 disasters from Alaska to Puerto Rico, warned that FEMA's role as the coordinator of other federal agencies could be severely compromised. The agency's mission assignment authority - its ability to direct other federal agencies like the Coast Guard, EPA, and Department of Transportation to respond to disasters - faces significant restrictions under proposed changes.
The implications for coastal communities like Scituate are particularly concerning. Schmid noted that when oil spills occur in local harbors or when severe storms strike, FEMA coordinates with multiple federal agencies to provide expertise and resources that local and state governments cannot match. With hollowed-out agencies and reduced funding, that coordinated response capability could be severely diminished.
Several specific programs supporting local communities face elimination, including the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which has helped fund flood mitigation projects. Disaster Survivor Assistance teams - the boots-on-the-ground personnel who go door-to-door after disasters to help residents access federal aid - are being eliminated entirely.
"These are some of the coolest people on God's green planet," Schmid said of the DSA teams. "They get their boots on and go knocking on doors, 'Hi, are you all right? Are you aware that FEMA is here?' We're out of that business. We're not doing that anymore."
The elimination of these outreach programs will disproportionately impact non-English speakers and marginalized communities who may not have access to mainstream media or online resources to learn about available assistance.
Bolton presented an equally troubling picture of international aid cuts, describing them as a "demolition" rather than mere reductions. Programs that saved "more than 90 million lives in 20 years" have been eliminated, including initiatives that provided HIV medications to 21 million people worldwide and educational programs that served 23 million children.
"People go into clinics and like, 'I need this drug to stay alive.' Sorry, we don't have those drugs anymore," Bolton said, describing the abrupt termination of life-saving programs.
The cuts extend beyond humanitarian concerns to economic and security implications. Bolton noted that 10 of America's 15 largest trade partners were former aid recipients, and that foreign assistance historically cost each American less than $2 per week while generating significant diplomatic and economic benefits.
Both speakers emphasized that the political landscape around disaster declarations is changing, with concerns that red state versus blue state considerations could influence whether communities receive federal disaster assistance. The cost-sharing formulas that determine how much states pay versus the federal government could also face political manipulation.
Schmid warned that states are unprepared to fill the gaps left by federal cuts. "Money without the staffing, without the expertise, and without the experience is going to fail," he said. The speakers noted particular concerns about how disaster funding will be distributed equitably, citing examples where urban areas have absorbed disproportionate shares of state disaster funds at the expense of rural communities.
The discussion also covered emerging challenges including cyber warfare, drone technology, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. FEMA's expanding role in large-scale security events like the Boston Marathon and Fourth of July celebrations demonstrates how federal agencies have become integral to community safety beyond traditional disaster response.
Climate change mitigation efforts, which had become a key pillar of federal disaster policy, face elimination. Programs supporting community preparedness, hazard mitigation, and disaster risk reduction are being scaled back significantly.
Why It Matters
For Scituate residents, these changes mean potentially longer response times, reduced federal assistance, and greater financial burden on the town and state when disasters strike. With sea-level rise and increasing storm intensity threatening coastal communities, the reduction in federal support comes at a critical time. Local projects like harbor flood mitigation and infrastructure improvements may face reduced federal funding, while residents who suffer disaster losses may find less assistance available for recovery.
Public Comment
Audience members raised questions about insurance company responses to increased disaster risks, strategies for engaging Republican communities in advocacy efforts, and methods for involving younger residents in emergency preparedness. Several attendees inquired about local volunteer programs and ways to contact congressional representatives about restoration of federal programs.
What's Next
Schmid and Bolton offered to present their findings to other community groups and encouraged residents to contact congressional representatives about foreign assistance and disaster preparedness funding. They emphasized the importance of supporting local programs like the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) run by Scituate Fire Department and developing neighborhood-based disaster preparedness pods.
Thank you for providing this reporting on this forum.
Yup. Thank you.
And apply this to CISA as well. Disastrous is being kind.