JEFFORDS OPPOSES ADDING FEMA

TO DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Jim Jeffords, I - Vt., the Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee today signaled his “strong opposition” to adding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the proposed Department of Homeland Security.

Jeffords argued that the vast majority of FEMA’s activities come in response to natural disasters and the agency cannot lose sight of that mission. EPW has jurisdiction over FEMA.

In a letter to the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, Jeffords wrote, “I am writing as Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee to express my strong opposition to including the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the proposed Department of Homeland Security.”

“It is certainly critical to prepare America to respond to terrorist acts. But also critical is the preparation and response to floods, fires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes that will continue to cause injuries, deaths, and property damage every year. We must preserve FEMA’s mission, and the resources and support necessary to carry it out, in any Federal government reorganization.”

“Accordingly, the Chairman and other members of this Committee believe that the best way to preserve FEMA’s focus and mission, while still supporting homeland security efforts, is to leave the Agency independent of the Department of Homeland Security.”

Jeffords concluded: “Maintaining FEMA’s independence will ensure that an increased focus on terrorism preparedness and response will be in addition to, and not at the expense of, FEMA’s natural hazard programs. And authorizing legislation could also spell out a coordinating relationship between FEMA and the new Department of Homeland Security.”

A full copy Jeffords’ letter is available upon request.