As deadly tornadoes tore through the Midwest, search-and-rescue teams reportedly lacked access to FEMA’s tornado-tracking mapping tool — because a $200,000 contract was allowed to lapse while awaiting approval through DHS’s spending review process.

That tool helps pinpoint tornado damage within minutes, guiding responders to the hardest-hit neighborhoods. When storms strike at night, every minute matters.

Disaster response should not be slowed by political bottlenecks or spending signoff delays.

If a tool saves lives, it should be available — immediately.

We call on President Trump and the Department of Homeland Security to:

• Restore FEMA’s tornado-tracking contract without delay
• Exempt life-saving disaster response tools from political spending bottlenecks
• Ensure emergency preparedness never stalls over paperwork again.

When Americans are in danger, response should be automatic — not optional.

Disaster response shouldn’t need political permission.