DHS chief Markwayne Mullin visits town hit by Hurricane Helene and pledges FEMA reforms

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin visited Chimney Rock, North Carolina, where residents are still recovering from Hurricane Helene. He said he intends to reform FEMA’s role and the agency is working to speed approvals ahead of the June 1 hurricane season.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin made his first official field visit to Chimney Rock, North Carolina, this week and met local officials at the town fire department. Chimney Rock was hit by Hurricane Helene in September 2024 and remains in recovery about 18 months later. Residents and officials described ongoing damage and administrative backlogs that have slowed rebuilding. Reported details: - Mullin said he wants to reform FEMA and shift more responsibility and funding toward state and local governments rather than eliminate the agency. - FEMA announced $26 million to buy out 75 homes in North Carolina, while officials said thousands of other cases remain unresolved. - The agency is managing 22 open and pending major disasters and is working to accelerate approvals before the June 1 hurricane season. - Local leaders and first responders described continued recovery challenges tied to overlapping rules, slow approvals and limited local resources. Summary: Mullin’s visit highlighted persistent recovery needs in western North Carolina and officials welcomed discussion of streamlining processes while noting many residents remain without final assistance. FEMA has announced targeted funding and said it will try to speed approvals before the June 1 hurricane season. The timeline for broader reforms, including naming a permanent FEMA administrator, remains undetermined at this time.