On this week’s episode of Tying it Together, host Tim Boyum talks with Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley. The North Carolina native was just appointed to a FEMA Review Council. 

That council will take a closer look at the future of the often-criticized emergency management agency. President Donald Trump criticized the agency’s response in western North Carolina after Helene devastated the area. 

Instead, he and other leaders believe there should be a new way of funding after natural disasters, whatever acronym it might be called.

“Come up with a formula to send natural disaster funds to states in the form of a block grant and allow states to administer their own recovery,” Rep. Chuck Edwards, said recently.

“But there would be a core group of folks inside of FEMA, or whatever acronym that we wanted to use, that would be there as consultants for those situations where we have states not familiar with those types of disasters,” said Edwards, the U.S. House member representing western North Carolina.

Tim and Whatley also talk about Trump’s first 100 days in office.

About the Podcast

With the speed of the local news cycle, it's easy to forget that the politicians who represent us and the influencers in our communities are more than just a sound bite. North Carolina’s veteran reporter and anchor, Tim Boyum, loosens his signature bow tie to give listeners a glimpse behind the curtain, showing us who these power players really are and why they do what they do. Through Tim’s candid conversations on “Tying It Together,” his guests reveal their most fascinating life stories, passions, and help all of us get a better grasp on the issues affecting our communities.

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