Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management
The Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management is responsible for the authorization and oversight of federal real estate programs, including construction, repair, alteration, maintenance, and enhancement of such real property; the authorization and oversight of programs promoting economic development in communities suffering economic distress; the authorization and oversight of programs addressing the federal management of emergencies and disasters; and a variety of measures affecting homeland security, including the all-hazards nature of the federal response to disasters and the Federal Protective Service.
The asset management activities of the Subcommittee jurisdiction include: improved grounds of the United States, generally, and measures relating to the Public Buildings Service (PBS) of the General Services Administration (GSA)—the civilian landlord of the federal government—including the planning, site and design, construction, acquisition, and renovation of public buildings, courthouses, and border facilities, and the leasing of space for federal employees; the physical plant and infrastructure of the Capitol Complex and use of the Capitol Grounds; the facilities of the White House complex; the facilities of the Smithsonian Institution, including all new and proposed facilities; facilities of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; Union Station Redevelopment; Judiciary Centers; measures relating to the location, use, accessibility, energy conservation, security, health and safety, and transfer or exchange of federal buildings; and the naming of federal buildings and courthouses.
The economic development activities of the Subcommittee include jurisdiction over the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the Department of Commerce, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), the Denali Commission, the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), the Northern Great Plains Regional Authority, the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, the Southwest Border Regional Commission, and the Northern Border Regional Commission.
The Subcommittee’s jurisdiction of federal management of emergencies and natural disasters includes Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) oversight and activities relating to disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, as well as programs relating to first responders. These activities are authorized by the Stafford Act, the Homeland Security Act of 20002, Title VI of the Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007, and the “Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act” (PKEMRA). The Subcommittee is also responsible for the all-hazards nature of the National Preparedness System (“NPS”) and a national preparedness goal that is consistent with the National Incident Management System (“NIMS”) and the National Response Framework (“NRF”). These programs, plans, and directives form the basis of the national approach to emergency preparedness and response.
Link to T&I's GSA Resolutions Database
Recent Activity
- Nov 17, 2020 : DeFazio-Led Bill to Reduce Financial Burdens on States and Communities Facing Disasters amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, including Wildfires and Hurricanes, Passes the House
- Sep 16, 2020 : DeFazio, Thompson, Titus, Lowey, and Roybal-Allard Introduce Legislation to Reduce Financial Burdens on States and Communities Facing Emergencies, including Wildfires and Hurricanes, amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Aug 26, 2020 : Chairwoman Titus Demands Answers from Trump Administration Over its Attempt to Dictate Architectural Style of Federal Buildings and Courthouses in Communities Across the U.S.
- Jul 28, 2020 : Experiences of Vulnerable Populations During Disaster
- Jul 21, 2020 : As COVID-19 Stretches FEMA Thin and Hurricane and Wildfire Seasons Ramp Up, House and Senate Committee Leaders Demand Administration Work to Fill Neglected Senior Leadership Vacancies at the Agency
- May 1, 2020 : Thompson, DeFazio Urge Trump to Approve Assistance for FEMA to Pay for Coronavirus Victim Burials
- Apr 29, 2020 : House Committee Overseeing FEMA Demands Answers about the Lack of Transparency of the Medical Supply Chain and Whether Distribution of Supplies Has Been Politically Motivated
- Apr 23, 2020 : Chairs DeFazio and Titus Press GSA for Answers Amid Reports Trump’s DC Hotel is Seeking Rent Relief from Federal Taxpayers
- Apr 22, 2020 : DeFazio, Peters Urge Trump Administration to Waive Cost-Sharing Requirements for States Battling Coronavirus
- Mar 24, 2020 : Thompson, DeFazio, Payne, Titus Urge Trump to Eliminate Cost Share for States Under Coronavirus Disaster Declarations
- Mar 18, 2020 : Chairs DeFazio, Titus Urge Economic Development Administration to Assist Businesses Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
- Mar 13, 2020 : Chairs DeFazio and Titus Issue Statements on President’s National Emergency Declaration in Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic
- Mar 11, 2020 : Chairs DeFazio, Titus Statements from Hearing on FEMA Priorities
- Mar 11, 2020 : FEMA’s Priorities for 2020 and Beyond: Coordinating Mission and Vision
- Mar 5, 2020 : Chairs DeFazio, Titus Announce Subcommittee Hearing on FEMA Priorities