(Washington, D.C.)–Congressman Jim Langevin today hosted Dr. Kenneth Williams, Principal Investigator & Project Medical Director of the Rhode Island Disaster Initiative, at a hearing of the House Democratic Task Force on Homeland Security.  Williams addressed the state’s disaster preparedness from the medical perspective as well as the state’s continuing needs.  He also discussed his hope that the Rhode Island Disaster Initiative (RIDI) will soon be used as a "best practices" model for other states to follow.

Today’s hearing was scheduled by the Democratic Task Force on Homeland Security to hear and learn from those serving on the nation’s front lines as the country continues to develop new methods to increase our nation’s security.  Each member of the task force was given the opportunity to invite an expert from his or her home state to share their thoughts on what Congress can do to improve the ability to prevent and defend against future acts of aggression.

“Hearing testimony from constituents like Dr. Williams who witness homeland security from the front lines provides helpful insight as we in Congress work to help  municipalities across the country increase preparedness and response mechanisms,” said Congressman Langevin, a member of the House Select Committee on Homeland Security.  “As we continues our efforts to protect our citizens and thwart future aggression, it is critical that we listen to those who live these issues every day.  Hearing from city administrators, first responders and homeland security experts will enable us to allocate resources in the most productive and effective way possible." 

Dr. Williams testified:
“Increased awareness, more frequent drills, accelerated planning and additional equipment and training efforts have improved preparedness…Congress should be supporting significant efforts to build surge capacity in terms of personnel, equipment, readiness and response practices, and facilities in our emergency medical care system.  In the end disasters create victims and cause damage.  Those of us who provide emergency medical care need support to care for those victims.  Additionally, support for disaster response applied properly will benefit the daily needs of emergency patients and providers throughout the country.” 

Williams was joined at the witness table by local officials and first responders from across the nation.  The witnesses discussed a broad range of issues, including the impact of paying overtime and staffing for increased security; relationships with state and federal officials; communication of threats between agencies and the federal government; access to information to make wise purchasing decisions; and how local industry, business leaders and local officials can work together to identify and mitigate security threats.

The Rhode Island Disaster Initiative was established in 1999 to address the recurring problems with medical response to disasters and received federal funding through a federal appropriation Congressman Langevin worked to secure during his first term in Congress.

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