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 .
FEMA chief says search-and-rescue operations taking priority , some fuel being supplied . Republican and Democratic officials praise FEMA 's response to Sandy . The agency 's performance after Hurricane Katrina forced reforms . It 's now `` leaning forward '' and has closer ties with state and local counterparts .