Twenty U.S. states, predominantly led by Democrats, have filed a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump’s administration, challenging the decision to withdraw funding from critical disaster relief programs.
The coalition aims to prevent the federal government from halting billions of dollars in grants designated for infrastructure upgrades intended to fortify communities against natural disasters. The lawsuit, submitted to the federal court in Boston, asserts that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) lacked the authority to terminate the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program in April, especially after it had received congressional approval.
“Our states rely on these vital funds to protect our citizens from the increasing threats of natural disasters,” a spokesperson for the group stated. “The abrupt withdrawal not only jeopardizes ongoing projects but also puts lives at risk.”
FEMA has faced scrutiny over its response to recent flooding in Texas, which has tragically resulted in over 130 deaths. Critics argue that cutting disaster relief funds exacerbates the vulnerabilities of communities prone to such catastrophic events.
The lawsuit reflects growing tensions between state governments and the federal administration over the allocation of resources crucial for public safety and infrastructure resilience.
