FEMA missed 58% of Texas flood calls, contradicting testimony
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · May 7
FEMA missed 58% of Texas flood calls, contradicting testimony
12 articles · Updated · POLITICO · May 7
A GAO report said nearly 80,000 helpline calls came in over nine days in Texas Hill Country, with average waits of 25 minutes and 61 minutes at the peak.
FEMA said it prioritised new aid applicants, while Democrats accused former acting administrator David Richardson of misleading Congress and demanded further sworn testimony.
GAO said FEMA had cut surge support resources by about half; the agency performed better in 2024 hurricanes and answered 99% of calls during the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires.
A GAO report exposed FEMA's failed 2025 response, yet a top official praised it. What is the true story of the Texas floods?
After a year of turmoil and a failed flood response, can FEMA's new leadership rebuild the agency before the next catastrophe strikes?
FEMA's disaster response was crippled by internal decisions. Can the agency be shielded from similar political interference in the future?