In the News

On Monday, House Democrats pressed the Federal Emergency Management Agency to explain how the agency plans to handle hurricane season and other natural disasters amid the public health crisis. The Democrats on the House Oversight and Reform Committee's Environment subcommittee sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor asking for a video hearing by June 22. Prior to hurricane season starting on June 1, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted this year would be above-average for storm activity. The lawmakers noted that as climate change worsens over time, the agency will have to continuously improve how it prepares and responds to natural disasters. Although many states––including New York, one of the hardest hit states in the COVID-19 pandemic––are starting to reopen, public health experts fear a resurgence of the coronavirus could overwhelm the healthcare system in some regions.