President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency acknowledged Wednesday that the disaster-response agency faces "challenges and setbacks" that can affect its ability to respond to emergencies, while defending FEMA employees amid concerns about staffing reductions.

"Certainly, FEMA operates in a unique environment where there are challenges and setbacks that impact our ability to respond," Cameron Hamilton told senators during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

Hamilton also said FEMA would need to find "a new balance" that encourages "cost reasonableness and cost savings" as the agency faces growing scrutiny over its spending and operations.

Responding to questions from Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., Hamilton said that if confirmed, he would conduct a review of FEMA's operations during his first month on the job.

"We would need to strike a new balance to encourage cost reasonableness and cost savings," Hamilton said. He added that he would examine "areas where FEMA can reform" within his first 30 days leading the agency.

Hamilton also sought to reassure lawmakers about FEMA's workforce after being pressed by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., on staffing reductions and the agency's ability to respond to disasters.

"What I can tell you is I have full faith and confidence in the FEMA workforce. I believe they are an exceptional group of public servants," he said.

FEMA has lost thousands of employees since the start of Trump's second term, and lawmakers have raised concerns about whether staffing reductions could affect the agency's ability to respond to disasters.

Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL and emergency management official, would take over the agency as the Trump administration pursues efforts to reduce federal spending and reshape government operations.

Democrats have warned that staffing cuts could weaken FEMA's disaster response capabilities.

If confirmed, Hamilton would be the principal adviser to Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on emergency management. FEMA is part of the Department of Homeland Security.

He would be FEMA's first permanent administrator in Trump's second term. Hamilton was one of four acting administrators to lead the agency, serving from January to May 2025.