Rep. Thompson Welcomes Leadership Announcement at FEMA but Cautions More Must be Done
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Today, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement:
“I am relieved that Secretary Chertoff has finally nominated Acting FEMA Director David Paulison to permanently fill the crucial role of Undersecretary for Federal Emergency Management. Chief Paulison’s strong credentials and dedication to our communities dates back to his service in the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department, and his leadership is a welcomed change,” said Congressman Thompson.
Congressman Thompson also commended the appointment of Vice Admiral Harvey Johnson, David Maurstad, and Deidre Lee to key positions at FEMA.
“With hurricane season less than 60 days away, FEMA must have its ‘A’ team on the field to assure that the Federal government is fulfilling its responsibilities to our communities during a disaster,” said Congressman Thompson. “That said, people alone will not fix the ailments at the agency.”
While elevating the position of FEMA Director to the level of Undersecretary may clean up a few bureaucratic roadblocks, changes still need to be made to correct the ongoing organizational problems that plague the agency. One of the biggest problems is the lack of direct access to the President in times of crisis. When disasters strike and time is of the essence, the Undersecretary should not have to waste valuable time and energy cutting through bureaucratic red tape in order to get the tools needed to get the job done right.
The appointments also do not fix the disconnect caused by separating the preparedness and response functions of FEMA. In order for FEMA to truly be ready for the next hurricane season, Secretary Chertoff must ensure that the department’s emergency management efforts clearly integrate preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts.
“I hope that the actions today are just the first, and not the last, steps in building a stronger, better FEMA,” said Congressman Thompson.
For More Information:
Please contact Dena Graziano or Todd Levett at (202) 226-2616
