Pallone Says ‘Good Riddance’ Following Trump FEMA Head’s Resignation

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today issued the following statement after Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson abruptly resigned following months of criticism over his inexperience and absence during major disasters:

"Good riddance. Americans deserve a FEMA leader with at least the most basic core competencies in emergency management, something David Richardson never demonstrated. His absence during the deadly Texas floods, his refusal to participate in daily operations, and his willingness to hollow out FEMA during peak hurricane season made our country less safe.

"Now that Richardson is gone, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem needs to go too. The Trump Administration must put public safety ahead of politics. The leaders of FEMA and DHS must understand the urgency of disaster response and rebuild the operational capacity that the Trump Administration deliberately gutted."

In July, Pallone became the first member of Congress to call for Richardson's ouster following the deadly Texas floods.