26 states challenge DHS, FEMA grant conditions tied to elections
Twenty-six states are challenging DHS and FEMA conditions that could link emergency and counterterrorism grants to election practices and immigration cooperation.
FEMA
-
-
Cameron Hamilton’s FEMA Nomination Reaches Senate Cloture Stage
A Senate cloture motion has moved Cameron Hamilton’s FEMA nomination closer to a confirmation vote, but he remains unconfirmed and FEMA rules have not changed.
-
States Fight Federal Plan to Tie Disaster Grants to Election Rules
A coalition representing 25 states and D.C. is asking a federal court to block election conditions tied to homeland-security grants before the 2026 midterms.
-
GAO warns of uneven capacity as FEMA responsibility faces review
A GAO review found wide gaps in state and local disaster capacity as proposed FEMA changes could shift more responsibility to states and territories.
-
FEMA reform debate puts disaster aid and state roles in focus
A July hearing brought competing FEMA reform plans together, but no law has changed how disaster declarations, recovery aid or survivor assistance work.
-
GAO: DHS has 39 priority recommendations still needing attention
A newly released GAO oversight report says DHS implemented five recommendations but added seven more, leaving 39 priorities open across key mission areas.
-
Honolulu Storm-Relief Authority Extended Through Sept. 29
A July 31 Ninth Emergency Proclamation keeps Honolulu and Oʻahu storm-recovery authority in place through Sept. 29, including narrow procurement flexibility and state housing-relief programs.
-
Indiana evaluates June storm damage while federal disaster aid remains unavailable
Indiana and FEMA are evaluating damage from June storms and flooding, but no federal disaster declaration or FEMA assistance has been approved for the events. Here is what the assessments mean and what residents should do now.
-
Rancho Cucamonga EOC Move Has $1.034 Million Federal Funding Commitment
Rancho Cucamonga’s planned Emergency Operations Center move has a $1,034,487 federal funding commitment, with schematic design for a Fire Administration building and EOC due by the end of December 2026.
-
Maui wildfire survivors face narrower state aid and higher FEMA housing costs
A Hawaii relief program now limits new applications to eligible households with minor dependent children, while FEMA is raising rents for some of the roughly 600 survivors still in temporary housing.
-
Dove Fire Grant Shows FEMA Still Works as Reform Debate Continues
FEMA approved a California wildfire grant covering up to 75% of eligible suppression costs as lawmakers debate a broader disaster-aid overhaul.
-
Pooler’s new flood-insurance rating could lower premiums for eligible policyholders
Pooler’s new FEMA Community Rating System Class 5 designation could reduce eligible National Flood Insurance Program premiums by up to 25% beginning October 1, 2026. The benefit is limited to qualifying policies and does not apply automatically to every Pooler resident or every flood-insurance policy.
-
Puerto Rico adopts 2026 mitigation plan tied to FEMA aid eligibility
Puerto Rico formally adopted its 2026 State Mitigation Plan on July 23 after FEMA Region 2 found the plan approvable pending adoption, according to an executive order.
-
Indiana and FEMA begin damage assessments after June severe weather
Indiana, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration began joint damage assessments July 16 after flooding, tornadoes, severe storms and a derecho struck parts of the state in June.
-
Fairbanks-area hazard-mitigation plan enters FEMA formal review
A joint hazard-mitigation plan for the Fairbanks North Star Borough and the cities of Fairbanks and North Pole entered FEMA’s formal-review period July 31. Presentations and possible adoption hearings are scheduled through August.
-
Nearly $12 million in FEMA funding announced for Montpelier flood-damage repairs
More than $20 million in FEMA flood-recovery funding was announced for Vermont, with nearly $12 million identified for permanent repairs and resilience upgrades at Montpelier municipal facilities damaged in 2023.
-
Puerto Rico recovery office reports $1.027 billion in first-half 2026 disbursements
Puerto Rico’s recovery office says it disbursed $1.027 billion in FEMA-funded reconstruction and hazard-mitigation money during the first half of 2026, while a federal audit found billions in recovery funding were still pending.
-
South Dakota requests federal disaster declaration for June–July severe-storm damage
Gov. Larry Rhoden has requested a presidential major-disaster declaration for eight South Dakota counties and the Crow Creek and Lower Brule reservations after severe storms from June 28 through July 3.
-
Bismarck’s 2026 hazard-mitigation plan wins federal and state approval
FEMA and North Dakota emergency-management officials have approved Bismarck’s 2026 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, keeping the city eligible to pursue federal mitigation grants through May 2031.
-
Pennsylvania Lawsuit Puts Nearly $6 Million in Emergency Funding at Issue
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s July 23 lawsuit challenges federal election-related grant conditions. It does not change how Pennsylvanians register, vote or have ballots audited.
-
South Dakota Seeks Federal Disaster Aid for Storm Damage in 8 Counties and 2 Reservations
Gov. Larry Rhoden has asked for federal aid after June and July storms caused an estimated $4.56 million in eligible public-infrastructure damage. The request remains pending.
-
Rhode Island Co-Leads Lawsuit Challenging FEMA Grant Conditions
Rhode Island is challenging FEMA and DHS conditions that could put more than $4.3 million in annual homeland-security grants at risk if states do not adopt disputed election and immigration-enforcement requirements.