Judge Reinstates FEMA's BRIC Program to Aid Disaster Preparedness

A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration unlawfully ended FEMA's BRIC program, designed to protect against natural disasters. The ruling restores the program, blocking its cancellation without Congress' approval, and mandates FEMA to reverse its termination. BRIC has funded major infrastructure protection projects in many states.

In a significant legal development, a federal judge has reinstated the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, declaring the Trump administration's termination of it unlawful. The program, vital for preemptive disaster mitigation, was illegally halted and required immediate reinstatement, ruled U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns.

The decision stems from a lawsuit led by predominantly Democratic states, challenging the administration's authority to end this crucial initiative. The court found that the termination was an overreach of executive power, infringing on Congress' responsibility to allocate federal funds for disaster preparedness and mitigation.

This ruling was welcomed by state officials who argued the program's cessation posed severe risks to critical infrastructure. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, however, criticized the decision, alleging misuse of funds under the subsequent Biden administration and downplaying the judge's intervention as misguided.

(With inputs from agencies.)