Thompson Responds to FEMA Report
(WASHINGTON) – Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) released the statement below in response to a report released today by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) entitled “FEMA’s Preparedness for the Next Catastrophic Disaster”. The report states that FEMA has progressed moderately in some areas, while insubstantially in others.
The report recommends that FEMA does the following:
• Conduct a “needs analysis” to examine its state of preparedness for a catastrophic disaster
• Develop and sustain a system for tracking progress of programs, initiatives, and enhancements
• Provide regular updates regarding progress on all major preparedness initiatives and projects
“While FEMA has made progress in its coordination with state and local partners, it is failing to adequately address the housing crisis plaguing the Gulf Coast,” noted Thompson. “Hurricane season is just around the corner and we have thirty thousand families still living in temporary housing. FEMA must continue to improve its preparedness, response, and recovery missions.”
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please contact Dena Graziano or Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978.
