FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
September 7, 2005
Contact:  Rachel Kleinman
(202) 225-3772
 

Ross Co-Sponsors Legislation to Remove FEMA from the Department of Homeland Security
 
(Washington, D.C.) U.S. Rep. Mike Ross (AR-04) Wednesday co-sponsored legislation to remove the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from the Department of Homeland Security and return FEMA to its status as an independent agency.  The legislation, introduced by Congressman John Dingell (MI-15), mandates that the Director of FEMA be a cabinet-level official, report directly to the President, and establishes two Deputy Directors within FEMA, one to focus on natural disasters and one for terrorism related disasters. 

"New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast experienced two catastrophic disasters within days of one another and unfortunately, our nation's government was inadequately prepared to respond," said Ross.  "While Hurricane Katrina was horrific and could not be averted, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s subsequent insufficient response is nothing short of a tragedy.  FEMA, which solely exists to help the nation prepare for and recover from significant catastrophes, failed to take immediate action, needlessly jeopardizing the lives and creating intolerable conditions for untold thousands of men, women and children.” 

"Part of the reason for FEMA's slow response to victims of Hurricane Katrina is that it currently exists under the complicated and bureaucratic structure of the Department of Homeland Security. When FEMA was a stand-alone agency and reported directly to the President, it was able to respond to disasters in a much more efficient and timely manner.  By restoring FEMA to its status as an independent agency, our nation will undoubtedly be better prepared to handle natural disasters of catastrophic nature in the future."   

Following the 9-11 terrorist attacks, Congress established the Department of Homeland Security to strengthen our national security. Several existing agencies were transferred under the newly-created agency's jurisdiction, including FEMA.


Press Release            Press Release List            Press Release