Updated: Committee Members React to National Response Plan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
(WASHINGTON) - Today, the Department of Homeland Security released an updated version of its National Response Plan - the framework from which the nation responds to emergencies. The much delayed plan is the first version released since 2004.
Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement in response to the Department's plans:
“It’s been a long time coming, but it appears to be a solid building block toward a secure and better prepared America. This framework shows how a properly integrated FEMA is strengthened by its placement in the Department of Homeland Security.”
Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response released the following:
"I believe the new National Response Framework is a good first step in laying out the lines of responsibility and communication between local, state and Federal officials during emergencies. Having a good plan is important, however, we need to follow up the release of this document with enhanced training and exercise programs to ensure that our nation is truly prepared to respond to both natural disasters and acts of terrorism."
Rep. Chris Carney (D-PA), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Management Investigations and Oversight, added the following:
"This is an important step forward for FEMA and for DHS as a whole. In the 2006 floods, the people of Pennsylvania learned first hand how an uncoordinated response can prolong suffering, and I'm glad that DHS seems to be learning from its mistakes and listening to input from the folks at the state and local level who are, after all, the true first responders."
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please contact Dena Graziano or Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978
