Yesterday, Governor Greg Abbott expressed his gratitude towards President Donald J. Trump for naming him to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council, according to a press release from the Governor's Office. This appointment places Abbott on a bipartisan board tasked with revamping the country's emergency management and disaster response protocols. Joining him in this endeavor is Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, who was also appointed by President Trump.
Abbott lauded the initiative, stating, "As Governor of Texas, I have seen firsthand the critical role emergency management plays to protect Texans and our communities when disaster strikes," acknowledging the importance of an efficient and locally controlled emergency management operation, something he asserts Texas has perfected. It is his hope that the council will make FEMA more responsive and supportive of state-run disaster interventions. In a statement released by the Governor's Office, Abbott also stressed his commitment to lend Texas' proven leadership in emergency management to the national stage, aiming for FEMA to bolster state and local government efforts.
Chief Kidd also weighed in on the significance of the council, expressing his anticipation for contributing to national emergency management improvements. "I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the FEMA Review Council and collaborate on recommendations to enhance the capabilities of emergency management across the country," Kidd stated, emphasizing his dedication to spearheading decisions that would not only benefit individual communities but the entire nation as well, as mentioned in the same press release.
Announced on January 24, President Trump's Executive Order established the Council with the objective of evaluating FEMA's current capabilities in managing domestic disasters and proposing necessary improvements to better serve the national interest.
