Executive Order 14180

Council To Assess the Federal Emergency Management Agency

Signed January 24, 2025, printed at 90 FR 8743. 5 sections of substance, 1,269 words.

In plain English

This order sets up a council to study FEMA. FEMA is the agency that handles disasters. The council reports on how it works.

Read it at the Federal Register →

Sec. 1. Purpose and Policy

The Federal responses to Hurricane Helene and other recent disasters demonstrate the need to drastically improve the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (``FEMA's'') efficacy, priorities, and competence, including evaluating whether FEMA's bureaucracy in disaster response ultimately harms the agency's ability to successfully respond. Despite obligating nearly $30 billion in disaster aid each of the past three years, FEMA has managed to leave vulnerable Americans without the resources or support they need when they need it most. There are serious concerns of political bias in FEMA. Indeed, at least one former FEMA responder has stated that FEMA managers directed her to avoid homes of individuals supporting the campaign of Donald J. Trump for President. And it has lost mission focus, diverting limited staff and resources to support missions beyond its scope and authority, spending well

In plain English

This sets out the case the order makes. It cites the response to Hurricane Helene. It says FEMA spent nearly $30 billion a year. It says people were still left without help. It says there are concerns about political bias. It cites a former responder's account. It says the agency has lost its focus.

Sec. 2. Establishment

(a) There is hereby established the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council (``Council''). (b) The Council shall be composed of not more than 20 members. The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Defense shall be members of the Council. The remaining members shall include relevant agency heads and distinguished individuals and representatives from sectors outside of the Federal Government appointed by the President. These non-Federal members shall have diverse perspectives and expertise in disaster relief and assistance, emergency preparedness, natural disasters, Federal-State relationships, and budget management. (c) The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Defense shall serve as Co-Chairs of the Council. The Co-Chairs may designate up to two Vice Chairs of the Council from among the non-Federal members of the Council, to support the Co-Chairs in

In plain English

This sets up a review council. It may have up to 20 members. Homeland Security and Defense sit on it. Other agency heads join them. The rest come from outside the government. They are picked for skill in disaster work. The two secretaries act as co-chairs.

Sec. 3. Functions

(a) The Council shall advise the President, through the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, on the existing ability of FEMA to capably and impartially address disasters occurring within the United States and shall advise the President on all recommended changes related to FEMA to best serve the national interest. (b) The Council shall meet regularly and shall: (i) respond to requests from the President, through the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security Affairs, the Director of the Office of Management [[Page 8744]] and Budget, or the Co-Chairs for information, analysis, evaluation, or advice; (ii) solicit information and ideas from a broad range of stakeholders, including Americans

In plain English

This says what the council does. It advises the President through three officials. The subject is whether FEMA can do its job. It must say whether the agency acts fairly. It must meet often and answer requests. It must gather views from a wide range of people.

Sec. 4. Administration

(a) The heads of executive departments and agencies shall, to the extent permitted by law, provide the Council with information concerning disaster preparedness and relief matters when requested by the Council Co-Chairs and as required for the purpose of carrying out the Council's functions. (b) In consultation with the Co-Chairs, the Council is authorized to create standing subcommittees and ad hoc groups, including technical advisory groups, to assist the Council and provide preliminary information directly to the Council. (c) The Department of Homeland Security shall provide such funding and administrative and technical support as the Council may require, to the extent permitted by law and as authorized by existing appropriations. (d) Members of the Council shall serve without any compensation for their work on the Council, but may receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu

In plain English

This is about running the council. Agencies must share what it asks for. It may form standing and ad hoc groups. Homeland Security pays for its work. It also provides staff and technical help. Members serve without pay but may claim travel costs.

Sec. 5. Termination

The Council shall terminate 1 year from the date of this order unless extended by the President.

In plain English

This sets an end date. The council closes in one year. The President may extend it.

Sec. 6. General Provisions

Every order carries this. It is not what the order does.

(a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. <GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT> (Presidential Sig.) THE WHITE HOUSE, January 24, 2025. [FR Doc. 2025-02173 Filed 1-30-25; 11:15 am] Billing code 3395-F4-P </pre></body> </html>

In plain English

This is the closing clause that nearly every order carries. It says the order does not change what the law already allows. It also says no one can sue to enforce it.

How this order is quoted

Each section is quoted as the order prints it, under its own number and heading. Executive orders are United States government works and are not under copyright. Long sections are cut at a sentence and the whole order is a click away.