Tell Congress To Fully Fund FEMA Before More Lives Are Lost
289 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: The Rainforest Site
As families lose everything to devastating wildfires, FEMA teeters on financial collapse—demand Congress act now to deliver lifesaving aid and rebuild communities.
Wildfires are tearing through Los Angeles County, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Over 28,000 acres have been consumed, displacing more than 150,000 residents and destroying hundreds of homes1. For those affected, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is a critical lifeline. Its programs, like the Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG), are essential for aiding states and communities during these devastating crises2.
The Crisis at Hand
FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund is running low as the frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters continue to rise3. Last year alone, over 60 Fire Management Assistance Declarations remained active, and this year’s wildfires in California have already stretched resources thin4.
Without sustained congressional support, FEMA may not have the means to respond effectively to future disasters. Every delay in funding means more families left without shelter, more communities struggling to recover, and more lives at risk.
Why FEMA Funding Matters
The Fire Management Assistance Grant program covers up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs, helping states manage massive wildfire responses5. It supports field camps, equipment, and emergency mobilization efforts—resources that save lives and protect homes. FEMA also provides direct aid to individuals through programs that cover temporary housing, lodging reimbursements, and home repairs6. These programs are vital for families trying to rebuild after losing everything.
Recent funding allocated to FEMA, including $29 billion added in December 2024, has been a crucial step, but it’s not enough. Climate disasters are increasing in both scale and cost. FEMA’s resources must keep pace with these growing demands7. Fully funding FEMA ensures faster recoveries, stronger communities, and a safer future for everyone.
A Call for Action
Time is of the essence. As fires rage on and more disasters loom, Congress must act to ensure FEMA has the funding it needs to continue its mission. The stakes are high: thousands of families are depending on timely aid to survive and recover. We cannot allow bureaucratic delays or resource shortages to hinder lifesaving efforts.
Every voice matters. Join us in urging Congress to fully fund FEMA and its Fire Management Assistance Grant program. Your support can make a difference for families and communities facing the worst moments of their lives. Together, we can build a future where no one is left behind in the face of disaster.
Sign the petition now to demand immediate action from Congress.
- Ayesha Rascoe, Rebecca Rosman, NPR (12 January 2025), "FEMA Administrator Discusses Plan of Action."
- Alec Schemmel, Fox News (8 January 2025), "FEMA to Pay for More Firefighters."
- Andrew Stanton, Newsweek (9 January 2025), "Is FEMA Running Out of Money?."
- Laura Doan, CBS News (14 January 2025), "Fact Checking Trump's Claims About California Wildfires."
- Lauren Irwin, The Hill (9 January 2025), "FEMA Teams Working with Families."
- Jasmine Mendez, Los Angeles Times (13 January 2025), "Fire Victims Can Get Aid from the Feds."
- Michael Gonzalez, ABC7 (9 January 2025), "FEMA Supports California with Assistance Grants."
The Petition:
To the Chairs and Members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, the Speaker of the House, the Senate Majority Leader, and the Homeland Security Subcommittees,
As wildfires, hurricanes, and other climate disasters continue to devastate communities across the United States, we urge you to prioritize robust and sustained funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) program. Your leadership is essential to ensure that every American affected by these crises receives the support they urgently need.
In December 2024, Congress allocated $29 billion for FEMA’s relief efforts, providing critical aid to communities in dire need. However, as recovery efforts persist and climate-related disasters grow more frequent and severe, these resources will soon be depleted. Without additional funding, FEMA cannot adequately support states like California, where wildfires in Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst have displaced tens of thousands and destroyed hundreds of homes.
The Fire Management Assistance Grant program has been instrumental in saving lives and property, covering 75% of eligible firefighting costs. Yet, with over 60 active declarations from last year alone, FEMA is stretched to its limits. Without sustained congressional support, communities will face delayed responses, incomplete recoveries, and avoidable suffering.
This is a call for compassion and decisive action. These disasters leave families homeless, communities fractured, and livelihoods destroyed. Funding FEMA and FMAG is not just a fiscal responsibility—it is a moral imperative. It sends a clear message that Congress stands with every American in times of profound need.
Your leadership can ensure faster recoveries, more resilient communities, and a stronger nation. Fully funding FEMA and FMAG is an investment in the safety and well-being of all Americans, now and for the future. We ask you to act swiftly and allocate the necessary resources to meet this critical need.
We urge Congress to fully fund FEMA and FMAG, ensuring Americans in crisis have the support they need to rebuild stronger and safer.
Together, we can build a compassionate and secure future for everyone.
Sincerely,
