Continuance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council

1/23/2026

Executive Orders

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Action Summary

Continuation of FEMA Review Council: The Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council, originally established by Executive Order 14180 on January 24, 2025, is extended until March 25, 2026.
Delegation of Functions: The Secretary of Homeland Security is designated to perform the President’s functions under the Federal Advisory Committee Act for the Council, following established regulations and procedures by the Administrator of General Services.
Effective Date: The order becomes effective on January 24, 2026.
General Provisions:
- (a) The order does not impair the legal authority of any executive department or agency, nor affect the Director of the Office of Management and Budget’s functions.
- (b) Implementation is subject to applicable law and the availability of appropriations.
- (c) The order does not create enforceable rights or benefits against the United States or its representatives.
- (d) Publication costs will be covered by the Department of Homeland Security.
Signature: The order is signed by President Donald J. Trump, as issued by The White House on January 23, 2026.

Risks & Considerations

The continuation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council underscores a focus on evaluating and potentially reforming FEMA’s operations. Vanderbilt University should be aware of the implications for federal disaster management policies, as changes could impact research funding and partnerships related to emergency preparedness and response.
There is a potential for increased scrutiny and restructuring of FEMA practices, which may lead to shifts in federal priorities and funding allocations. Universities engaged in related research or training programs may need to adapt to these changes.
This executive order designates the Secretary of Homeland Security to oversee the council, emphasizing a centralized approach to disaster management. This may affect collaborations with FEMA, requiring alignment with new guidelines and procedures.
Vanderbilt should monitor any developments regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council’s assessments, as these may influence federal emergency management strategies that impact educational institutions and their communities.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Institute for Energy and Environment could find new opportunities to engage in research on disaster management and policy evaluation, aligning with federal efforts to enhance emergency preparedness.
The School of Engineering may benefit from partnerships focused on developing technologies to improve emergency response systems, potentially securing funding from FEMA-related grants.
Programs within Vanderbilt Law School that focus on public policy and administrative law might need to reassess their curriculum to include emerging legal considerations in federal emergency management.

Financial Impact

While the executive order does not directly alter funding levels, changes in federal disaster management practices could redirect funding priorities, impacting grants and research projects related to emergency management.
Vanderbilt may experience shifts in research funding opportunities, necessitating adjustments to align with new federal priorities and initiatives in disaster preparedness and response.
Collaboration with federal agencies on emergency management could provide financial opportunities for interdisciplinary research, fostering innovation and resilience within the university’s community and beyond.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential changes in federal priorities affecting research and funding opportunities.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Emergency Preparedness should engage with the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council to ensure that the university’s emergency response plans are aligned with national standards and best practices. This will enhance Vanderbilt’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies and secure potential funding or resources for emergency management initiatives.
The Legal Affairs Department should review any updates or guidelines issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security pertaining to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, ensuring Vanderbilt’s compliance with federal regulations in collaboration with relevant federal agencies.
Vanderbilt’s Research Centers focusing on public policy and disaster management could explore opportunities to contribute research and expertise to the Council’s assessments, potentially influencing policy recommendations and enhancing the university’s reputation in emergency management and policy development.

Opportunities

By developing partnerships with the Department of Homeland Security, Vanderbilt can access additional resources for emergency preparedness training and simulations, which can be integrated into the curriculum and community outreach programs.
This executive order provides an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering to propose innovative solutions and technologies for emergency management, potentially securing grants or collaborations with federal agencies.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to align emergency preparedness and policy research efforts with federal guidelines and opportunities.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.6

Timeline for Implementation

Effective Date: January 24, 2026 (order becomes effective and the directives must be implemented immediately from this date).
Council Continuance: The Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council is continued until March 25, 2026.

Score based on the shortest timeline (1 day after issuance, indicating an urgent response is required).

Relevance Score: 5

Impacted Government Organizations

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council: The order continues the existence of the FEMA Review Council, originally established to assess FEMA operations.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS): The Secretary of Homeland Security is designated to perform the functions of the President under the Federal Advisory Committee Act for the Council, and the department is responsible for bearing the publication costs of the order.
General Services Administration (GSA): The Administrator of General Services is tasked with establishing the necessary regulations, guidelines, and procedures to implement the order’s provisions.

Relevance Score: 2 (A moderate number of Federal Agencies are directly impacted by the order.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of Homeland Security – Tasked with performing the President’s functions under the Federal Advisory Committee Act for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council.
Administrator of General Services – Provides the regulations, guidelines, and procedures that the Secretary of Homeland Security must follow in implementing this directive.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect Cabinet officials, including the Secretary of Homeland Security.)