Sullivan and Coburn Encourage Accountability from FEMA
Today, Congressman John Sullivan and Senator Tom Coburn sent the following letter to R. David Paulison, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), regarding FEMA's recent denial of Governor Henry's request for Individual Assistance for Tulsa and Oklahoma counties following last month's devastating ice storm and the new law requiring FEMA to provide a summary of all damage assessment data used in evaluating disaster declarations.
"I applaud Senator Coburn for his leadership in bringing greater transparency to the FEMA disaster declaration process," Sullivan said. "Oklahomans deserve to know what criteria FEMA uses when determining what assistance applicants can be granted. In addition, a clear and public determination process will help state officials decide what information is required when applying for federal disaster assistance. Greater transparency will also ensure consistency from FEMA in awarding individual assistance for different disaster declarations."
"FEMA should use this opportunity to show that disaster relief is being reviewed fairly and objectively for Oklahoman's recovering from the devastating ice storms. It is imperative that all government agencies work in a transparent manner to gain the trust of the American public. This confidence can only be gained if FEMA objectively proves that these decisions are based on merit alone, something it has been unwilling to do prior to this change in law," said Senator Tom Coburn, M.D.
January 17, 2008
R. David Paulison, Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
500 C Street, SW
Washington, DC 20472
Dear Administrator Paulison,
We write in follow up to President Bush's recent major disaster declaration for the State of Oklahoma and the subsequent denial of Governor Brad Henry's request for Individual Assistance for Tulsa and Oklahoma counties.
As you know, the FY 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Act signed by the President on December 26, 2007 (PL- 110-161) contained a provision requiring FEMA to provide a report regarding major disaster declaration decisions. The report is to include a summary of all damage assessment data used in approving or denying the major disaster declarations. With this being the first disaster incident in Oklahoma since this law took effect, FEMA is presented with a great opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to bringing accountability and transparency to the disaster declaration process.
As public confidence in the federal government continues to decline, it is absolutely imperative that all agenciesand Congress for that matteroperate in the most open and transparent manner possible. The decision whether or not to approve a major disaster declaration, and the federal assistance that comes with it, in a time of natural disaster is one of the most important decisions that your agency makes, and it is critically important that it be done with full knowledge that decisional data will be released to the public. To do so, rebuilds confidence in this process and reassures taxpayers that these decisions are based solely on merit. In addition, it will also help state officials to understand the specific criteria used to determine federal disaster assistance eligibility.
All across our state, Oklahomans are picking up the pieces from yet another devastating ice storm. We thank you in advance for your ongoing efforts, and we eagerly await your report to Congress and the citizens of our great state explaining your most recent decision to deny Governor Brad Henry's request for Individual Assistance for Tulsa and Oklahoma counties.
As our state continues recovery efforts, we stand ready to assist you in any way possible.
Sincerely,
Tom A. Coburn, MD John Sullivan
United States Senator United States Representative