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The New FEMA: Is the Agency Better Prepared for a Catastrophe Now Than It Was in 2005?
Title: The New FEMA: Is the Agency Better Prepared for a Catastrophe Now Than It Was in 2005?
Date: April 3, 2008
Author: N/A
Institution: U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Bibliographic Entry: U.S. Congress. Senate. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The New FEMA: Is the Agency Better Prepared for a Catastrophe Now Than It Was in 2005?. 110th Cong., 2nd sess., April 3, 2008.
Electronic Link: http://hsgac.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Hearings.Detail&HearingID=74d497fd-4337-4d2d-8c64-e0dff6dd865b
Key Words: Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (PKEMRA), Office of Emergency Communication, Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007
Summary of Key Points, Issues, Conclusions:
Joe Lieberman, Senator, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Chairman Lieberman opens this committee session by outlining the various Congressional measures put in place following Hurricane Katrina. These include the Post-Katrina Act, the Office of Emergency Communication, and the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007.
Susan Collins, Senator, Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
In addition to repeating many of the sentiments as Senator Lieberman, Senator Collins stresses the need for FEMA to remain housed under the Department of Homeland Security, so the institutional changes set forth on post Katrina legislation can come to fruition.
R. David Paulison, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Since becoming administrator of FEMA, Mr. Paulison has attempted to carry out a three phase approach to bring the new FEMA back to a position of preeminence. The plan for FEMA is structured around the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (PKEMRA). The first phase deals with creating an established vision for FEMA. Phase 2 is the ongoing implementation phase and Phase 3 will begin in FY 2009. He then discusses two particular recommendations from the IG’s report and how FEMA is trying to meet them. In response to disasters from the past year, FEMA has instituted new and enhanced capabilities, including upgrades to the National and Regional Response Coordination Centers and integrating various directorates.
Richard Skinner, Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security
Following up on a request to assess the progress made by FEMA following Katrina, Mr. Skinner focuses his testimony on nine critical areas researched: overall planning, coordination and support, interoperable communications, logistics, evacuations, housing, disaster workforce, mission assignments, and acquisition management. He found that FEMA has made progress in all areas, but some has been limited or modest. He completes his testimony by offering three recommendations for FEMA.
Name of Researcher: Julie Curry
Institution: Integrative Center for Homeland Security, Texas A&M University
Date Posted: April 15, 2008