Vance Targets Bureaucracy Slowing Disaster Relief in Virginia Visit

Vice President J.D. Vance, during his first domestic trip as vice president, pledged to tackle the federal bureaucracy hindering disaster relief efforts. Visiting the flood-ravaged town of Damascus, Virginia, Vance criticized the red tape slowing recovery in communities devastated by Hurricane Helene last year.

Speaking to residents, relief workers, and state officials, Vance addressed the frustrations caused by delays in federal disaster assistance. “The bureaucracy and the red tape is not an excuse for the government to not do its job,” Vance stated. “We’re not going to be perfect, but we can do a heck of a lot better than we have over the last few years. That is something President Trump and I are committed to doing.”

One glaring issue highlighted by Vance was a $90,000 gap between the funds victims could apply for to rebuild their homes and the actual cost of damages. While Congress recently allocated resources to close this gap, Vance stressed that bureaucratic delays were preventing the funds from reaching those in need.

Vance also criticized FEMA regulations that have blocked the placement of temporary housing in certain disaster-stricken areas. Using North Carolina as an example, he pointed out that overly rigid rules have left many residents without adequate shelter, compounding the challenges of recovery.

“I think one of the takeaways of just my time the last week being the people’s vice president is they should have higher expectations for their federal government,” Vance told reporters, emphasizing that disaster victims deserve better support from Washington.

President Trump recently signed an executive order creating a council to investigate FEMA and recommend reforms to streamline disaster response. This move aligns with Vance’s promise to cut through bureaucratic inefficiencies and ensure faster recovery efforts for Americans affected by natural disasters.

During his visit, Vance met with local leaders, including Governor Glenn Youngkin, who expressed gratitude for the vice president’s engagement. “Your commitment to Southwest Virginia and leadership in advancing Hurricane Helene recovery efforts to rebuild and strengthen our community are deeply appreciated,” Youngkin said in a statement.

Vance’s visit underscored the administration’s commitment to improving the federal government’s responsiveness to natural disasters. By addressing the systemic obstacles slowing recovery, the Trump administration aims to rebuild trust and deliver results to the American people.

Stay informed. Share this article and subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on disaster relief reforms.