Missouri tornado survivors among those urging reform of FEMA after disaster
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- An upcoming gathering of disaster survivors in Washington D.C. could play a pivotal role in sparking changes within the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
A delegation of 80-plus disaster survivors from across the country, including survivors from the St. Louis tornado this May, will be heading to the nation's capital on Dec. 15 to urge Congress to prioritize disaster-impacted communities and FEMA reforms.
The move comes amid growing concerns about cuts within FEMA and a shortage of staff and resources available to assist communities impacted by disasters.
Nearly seven months after an EF3 tornado struck St. Louis on May 16, killing five people and causing $1.6 billion in damage, a number of impacted residents are still recovering. The tornado was on the ground for more than 20 miles with max winds speeds over 150 mph.
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, FEMA staffing decreased by 9.5% between January and June 2025 and nearly $11 billion in disaster payments were canceled.
Now, a group of survivors are organizing across political lines to push for a modernized and effective federal response to disaster relief. The delegation intends to bring attention to the life-altering impacts of living through catastrophe, the need for sensible reforms to disaster relief, and the delivery of expedited resources to communities struggling to rebuild.
At the same time, the FEMA Review Council is expected to issue a formal report on Dec. 12 with potential reforms, a report that advocates worry will negatively impact recommendations serving survivors and their families.
