Etheridge Introduces Bill To Restructure, Strengthen FEMA

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

May 18, 2006

Contact: Joanne Peters
Phone: (202) 225-4531

Etheridge Introduces Bill To Restructure, Strengthen FEMA

WASHINGTON - As Hurricane season approaches, U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington), the only N.C. member of the Homeland Security Committee, has introduced legislation to restructure and strengthen FEMA. H.R. 5351, the National Emergency Management Reform and Enhancement Act of 2006, would correct the deficiencies of the Federal Emergency Management Agency that were exposed during Hurricane Katrina.

"During Hurricane Katrina America saw how truly devastating hurricanes can be when preparedness and emergency management are neglected. With hurricane season only two weeks away, we do not have time to waste," Etheridge said.

"We must begin strengthening FEMA as soon as possible. In North Carolina we know well that we cannot prevent another hurricane, but Congress can and must take steps to reduce the number of lives and the amount of property that are lost. This legislation will take the steps necessary to ensure that FEMA can effectively prepare for and respond to any disaster-natural or man made."

The bill is bipartisan and bicameral, with the support of Democrats and Republicans on the House and Senate Homeland Security Committees. The House Homeland Security Committee voted unanimously to approve the bill on May 16. Etheridge introduced the bill with Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rep. Peter King, Ranking Member Rep. Bennie Thompson, Rep. David Reichert, Rep. Bill Pascrell and Rep. Michael McCaul. The provisions of the bill are supported in the Senate by the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, Sen. Susan Collins and Sen. Joe Lieberman.

The bill takes steps to improve communication and coordination at the federal, state and local levels; strengthen disaster preparedness and response capabilities nationwide; and eliminate waste, fraud and abuse. It will ensure that FEMA is headed by an experienced emergency management professional with the authority to report directly to the President.

Details of H.R. 5351, the National Emergency Management Reform and Enhancement Act of 2006

Improve Preparedness and Response Measures Nationwide

Requires the Department of Homeland Security to develop national standards for first responder training and a comprehensive, uniform program to train homeland security personnel and first responders at all levels.
Establishes FEMA as a Directorate of Emergency Management, consolidating DHS' Directorate of Preparedness within FEMA, to increase coordination between FEMA and local first responders.
Elevates the head of FEMA to an Under Secretary, who will serve as the President's principal advisor on emergency management and report directly to the President in times of national emergency and crises.
Mandates better DHS oversight of administered federal benefits, and establishes proper internal management controls to prevent and detect waste, fraud, and abuse.

Streamline Coordination and Communication at the Federal, State, and Local Levels

Establishes two Deputy Under Secretary positions - one for Emergency Preparedness and Mitigation and one for Emergency Response and Recovery - both of whom will be well qualified and report directly to the Under Secretary, to increase coordination between FEMA and local first responders.
Establishes DHS Regional Offices and Regional Directors to work in partnership with state and local governments and emergency response and support providers, to ensure coordination and integration of regional preparedness and response activities;
Improves response time by granting the Regional Director, in a time of crisis, the ability to coordinate and direct the federal response within the operational area, and make operational decisions without obtaining approval from headquarters.
Creates an Assistant Secretary for Emergency Communications, who will establish and maintain interoperable communications capabilities at all levels of government, and ensure first responders on the ground can communicate with one another.

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Pictured at top: Etheridge speaks to students about the importance of education