Trump criticisms inside FEMA put indefinite leave after exploding the cuts in a letter of dissent

More than 180 current and former FEMA employees signed the letter sent to the FEMA examination board and to the Congress Monday criticizing the recent reductions in agency staff and programs, and warning that FEMA’s ability to respond to a major disaster has been dangerously reduced.

Thirty-five signed their names while 141 signed anonymously for fear of reprisals.

The Associated Press confirmed that at least two of the signatories received opinions Tuesday evening informing him that they would be placed indefinitely on leave, with salary and that they must always register each morning confirming their availability. We did not know what status was for other signatories.

The opinion indicates that the decision “is not a disciplinary action and is not intended to be punitive”.

The FEMA did not immediately answer questions about the number of staff members received the opinion and if it was linked to the opposition letter.

The Washington Post reported for the first time that some Fema employees were on leave.

The letter of dissent contained six “opposition declarations” to the current FEMA policies, including a policy of approval of the expenses by which the secretary of internal security, Kristi Noem, must approve contracts exceeding $ 100,000, which, according to the signatories, reduces the capacity of FEMA to carry out its mission.

He also criticized the DHS’s decision to reallocate certain FEMA employees to apply immigration and customs, not appointing a qualified FEMA administrator stipulated by law and cuts in mitigation programs, preparation for preparation and the workforce of FEMA.

In an email on Monday, FEMA spokesperson Daniel Llargues said that the Trump administration “had made responsibility and reform a priority so that taxpayers’ dollars really reach the people and communities they are supposed to help.”

“It is not surprising that some of the same bureaucrats who have presided over decades of ineffectiveness are now opposed to the reform,” said Llargues. “Change is always difficult.”

Employees of other agencies, including the National Institutes of Health and Environmental Protection Agency, have published similar declarations. About 140 EPA personnel members on administrative leave for the signing of an opposition letter.