Elected officials need to speak up
To the Editor:
This morning I read an article in the New York Times titled “Musk Targeted FEMA. Storm-Battered Communities Are Paying a Price.” The article describes how the federal government has stopped making FEMA payments to states and non-profits and has given DOGE full system access to FEMA’s financial management system.
The article gives a number of examples of affected organizations including the French Broad Electric Membership Corporation and Warren Wilson College. The article also quotes DHS secretary Kristi Noem as saying “We’re going to eliminate FEMA.” I note that Senators Tillis and Budd both voted to confirm Ms. Noem.
It is time for our elected representatives (Senators Tillis and Budd, and representative Edwards) to explain whether they support eliminating FEMA and what they will do to support working people when a lifetime of hard work is overturned by natural disaster. I am sure The Smoky Mountain News, Asheville Citizen Times and Blue Ridge Public Radio would be more than happy to publish their responses.
Jack Summers
Cullowhee
