FEMA Reorganization Legislation in the 109th Congress / Keith Bea, Henry Hogue.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Bea, Keith, author.

Hogue, Henry, author.

Series:

CRS report for Congress, RL33522

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Federal government.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (23 pages).

Place of Publication:

Washington, District of Columbia : Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress, 2006.

Summary:

Members of Congress have introduced legislation in both the House and Senate to alter federal emergency management organizational structures and responsibilities, amend authorities that guide federal action, impose emergency management leadership qualification requirements, and make other changes. The proposals are based upon investigations conducted on the role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other entities in the response to Hurricane Katrina in the fall of 2005. Some observers reduce the matter to one basic question: "Should FEMA remain within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or should the agency regain the independent status it had before the creation of DHS?" The issue, however, is more complex than just one of organizational placement. Other questions include the following: 1. What should be the reach or limit of the entity's authority? 2. What degree of discretion should Congress extend to the President and executive branch officials to act in emergency situations? 3. What functions or responsibilities should be transferred to the new entity? Which should be retained by other DHS entities? 4. How can interagency coordination be ensured? To what extent should the White House be involved in emergency management on a continuing basis as well as during an emergency? 5. How might Congress balance recognition of state sovereignty and primacy in the emergency management field while authorizing prompt federal response? 6. If details such as personnel qualifications, training requirements, performance metrics, and interagency coordination mechanisms are set in statute, will federal agencies have the flexibility to adapt procedures and personnel to dynamic crises? As of the date of this publication, Members have introduced at least 13 bills to reorganize FEMA or reorient the agency's mission. Summary information on the 13 bills, and historical context for debate on the issue, is presented in CRS Report RL33369, Federal Emergency Management and Homeland Security Organization: Historical Developments and Legislative Options. Of the bills pending before Congress, two, H.R. 5316 and H.R. 5351, have been the subject of House committee action. Other bills that have been introduced in the House include H.R. 3656, H.R. 3659, H.R. 3685, H.R. 3816, H.R. 4009, H.R. 4397, H.R. 4493, and H.R. 4840. One bill pending before the Senate, S. 3595, was cosponsored by the chair and ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Other Senate bills include S. 1615 and S. 2302. This report will be updated when significant congressional action occurs on the pending legislation.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.