FEMA is welcoming back 15 whistleblowers placed on leave during Kristi Noem's tenure

FEMA has welcomed back at least 15 whistleblowers who were placed on indefinite leave after signing letter protesting moves by then-DHS secretary Kristi Noem.

FEMA has welcomed back at least 15 whistleblowers who were placed on indefinite administrative leave in August after signing a public letter protesting moves by the since-ousted Department of Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem.

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The decision to allow the employees to return to work marks the latest sign of the new DHS leadership breaking from the more aggressive policies pushed by Noem, who was replaced last month by Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla.

DHS confirmed the decision in an email exchange with Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., and one of the whistleblowers told NBC News he received the news Wednesday. The move comes a month before hurricane season is set to begin.