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(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. |
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