Pascrell FEMA Reform Legislation Passes Homeland Security Committee

PASCRELL FEMA REFORM LEGISLATION PASSES HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE

U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science and Technology, and sponsor of H.R. 5351, the "National Emergency Management Reform and Enhancement Act of 2006," applauded his colleagues for unanimously passing the legislation out of committee. The bipartisan bill reforms existing emergency management practices by improving disaster response, enhancing DHS' coordination with state, local and tribal governments, and preventing fraud and waste.

"I commend the Committee for working in a bipartisan manner to quickly pass this critical legislation," stated Pascrell. "Strengthening FEMA within DHS is the most efficient way to improve our national disaster response. My legislation would also bring a higher standard of leadership to the agency. For example, it would mandate that America's emergency management leader have relevant experience and direct access to the President."

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"The first responders who secure our communities support FEMA's continued and strengthened role within DHS. I urge my colleagues in Congress to do the same before America is caught unprepared for another emergency incident."

Creating a strengthened role for FEMA within DHS is supported by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), the International Association of Firefighters (IFF), and the American Ambulance Association.

http://www.pascrell.house.gov/issues2.cfm?id=11860