Coburn Brings Openness and Transparency to FEMA
Included in the Omnibus spending package passed today in the Senate was a provision, authored by Dr. Coburn, requiring greater transparency in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) process for determining major disaster declarations. The provision requires that FEMA officials make a report available to Congress and all taxpayers describing damage assessment data used in making these important decisions.
"Earlier this year, I encouraged FEMA and Oklahoma officials to release the data from damage surveys to ensure the process used was fair and objective. I'm pleased the Senate agreed to a provision that will release this information to the public. Oklahomans should receive any assistance for which we qualify, and every taxpayer deserves to know how their money is being spent," Dr. Coburn said.
"Transparency and openness bring honesty and accountability to all levels of government. This amendment will shed much-needed light on the process by which FEMA determines disaster declarations and allocates assistance," Dr. Coburn added.