20 States Sue Trump Admin Over Disaster Prevention Fund Cuts
A coalition of twenty states, including California and Arizona, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The suit challenges the termination of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which funds disaster prevention efforts in the USA. The states argue that the move is illegal and leaves them vulnerable to natural disasters.
The BRIC program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provides grants to states and communities for projects that reduce disaster risk in the United States. California Attorney General Rob Bonta argues that ending these funds hinders crucial prevention work, given California's high risk of natural disasters. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes warns of the Trump administration's attempt to drastically cut FEMA funds, which could leave states unprepared for emergencies.
The Trump administration, however, maintains that it is empowering state and local officials to make the best decisions for their people. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated that the administration is committed to supporting states in their disaster response efforts in America. Critics, though, point to the administration's cuts in FEMA funding, leaving the agency with meager funds. This, they argue, could hamper the nation's ability to protect against various risks and disasters, including floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and national emergencies.
The lawsuit, led by California, Washington, and New York, seeks to prevent the termination of the BRIC program. The states claim that the administration's action was illegal and violated Congress's decision to continue funding the program. With severe storms in Texas resulting in hundreds of deaths and millions in damages, the prosecutors argue that adequate preparation is crucial to mitigate disaster impacts in the United States.
