FEMA search and rescue chief exits agency after Texas flood response

• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem implemented a rule in June that requires every funding request over $100,000 have her personal sign-off before funds can be dispersed, which reportedly complicated the Texas response.
• Pagurek told colleagues that the bureaucratic red tape that delayed the response was what pushed him to resign, according to CNN.
• "This decision was not made lightly, and after much reflection and prayer, it is the right path for me at this time," Pagurek wrote in a resignation letter that didn't mention the flood response.

What they're saying: "It is laughable that a career public employee, who claims to serve the American people, would choose to resign over our refusal to hastily approve a six-figure deployment contract without basic financial oversight," a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told Axios in response to a request for comment.

• "We're being responsible with taxpayer dollars, that's our job," the spokesperson continued in the statement. "Attempting to spin a personal career decision into some big scandal is ridiculous."
• The DHS spokesperson also said "FEMA experienced no delays in deployment of assets" and that Texas officials have "applauded" the government's response.

Catch up quick: The July 4 flooding killed at least 135 people in central Texas, and three people are still missing as the search continues on its third week.

Zoom out: Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of dismantling FEMA, and has suggested that his administration may try to bring disaster response "down to the state level."

• Trump signed an executive order in January that created a task force geared toward reviewing FEMA's protocols and will recommend changes to the agency.
• Congress has the sole authority to officially eliminate FEMA.

Go deeper: Trump administration sued by 20 states over FEMA disaster program cuts