Moore Introduces FEMA Caseworker Accountability Act

U.S. Rep. Tim Moore is introducing legislation aimed at increasing transparency around Federal Emergency Management Agency staffing after concerns from disaster survivors about delays and difficulty getting assistance following Hurricane Helene.

Moore, a Republican representing North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District, introduced the FEMA Caseworker Accountability Act (H.R. 9683), a bipartisan bill co-led by Democratic Rep. Valerie Foushee of North Carolina’s 4th Congressional District.

The legislation would require the Comptroller General of the United States, who leads the Government Accountability Office (GAO), to submit a report to Congress on FEMA case management personnel turnover and staffing practices.

The bill, formally titled the “FEMA Caseworker Accountability Act,” would direct GAO to provide the report within 180 days after enactment.

The report would include:

• FEMA’s turnover rate among case management personnel;

• The average and median length of employment for FEMA case management staff;

• Steps FEMA is taking or planning to take to reduce employee turnover;

• The number of FEMA personnel assigned to disaster recovery work who later return to their regular assignments;

• A breakdown of those workers by full-time, part-time, temporary and contract status; and

• Information on disaster recovery staffing rotations, including how long personnel serve in those roles and how frequently reassignment occurs.

Moore said the legislation comes after hearing concerns from North Carolinians recovering from Hurricane Helene.

“When disasters strike, families deserve timely, reliable assistance from experienced caseworkers who can help them navigate the recovery process,” Moore said. “In the wake of Hurricane Helene, I’ve heard from far too many North Carolinians who have struggled to get clear answers from FEMA or faced unnecessary delays.”

Moore said the bill is intended to provide Congress with more information about FEMA’s workforce challenges.

“This legislation will strengthen oversight by requiring reports on FEMA’s workforce challenges and the steps they are taking to improve retention rates,” he said.

Foushee said FEMA remains an important resource during disasters but said Congress needs better information about the agency’s staffing levels.

“When our communities are experiencing extreme weather emergencies, like Tropical Storm Chantal or Hurricane Helene, FEMA is the place we turn to for support,” Foushee said. “While FEMA continues to play such a critical role in disaster relief, it’s important that Congress can verify the agency’s employment numbers and supports efforts to reduce employee turnover.”

Hurricane Helene caused historic flooding and widespread destruction across Western North Carolina in September 2024, leaving thousands of residents seeking assistance for damaged homes, infrastructure repairs and recovery programs.

Under current law, FEMA is not required to provide Congress with detailed reporting on turnover and rotation rates among case management personnel. Supporters of the bill say the additional data could help identify staffing issues affecting disaster response.

The legislation now heads to the House committee process for consideration.

Moore represents Rutherford, Cleveland, Gaston and Burke counties, as well as portions of Mecklenburg and Polk counties.