FEMA has announced search - and - rescue operations taking priority , some helicopters being used . Republican and Democratic leaders praise FEMA 's response to Katrina . They still need a request from a state to distribute those supplies , but `` They have things on the ready in a very immediate location . '' The agency 's performance after Hurricane Katrina forced reforms . It 's now ` ` leaning forward '' and has closer ties with state and local governments .
FEMA has announced search - and - rescue operations taking priority , some helicopters being used . Republican and Democratic leaders praise FEMA 's response to Katrina . The agency 's performance after Hurricane Katrina forced reforms . It 's now ` ` leaning forward '' and has closer ties with state and local governments .