The House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery held a hearing, “Improving the Federal Response: Perspectives on the State of Emergency Management,” on March 13. Members of the subcommittee and witnesses discussed improving partnerships between FEMA and local agencies and increasing resources for disaster preparedness.
Several witnesses noted that FEMA could better integrate its work with local and state emergency response efforts. Martin Senterfitt, the fire deputy chief and director of emergency management for Monroe County, FL, described FEMA representatives on the ground as observers rather than true partners. He felt policies and procedures restricted FEMA staff from offering needed advice and insight that could prevent future confusion or funding denials. Louis Bucchere, the commanding officer of the emergency management section of the New Jersey State Police, suggested FEMA assign a core group of staff to offer steady guidance through the extended duration of disaster response and recovery. Steve Reaves, president of a local FEMA chapter of the American Federation of Government Employees, acknowledged that FEMA is understaffed, which leaves employees with little time to recover between disasters.
Subcommittee Chair Donald Payne (D-NJ) asked the witnesses about inequity in disaster aid, citing a recent investigation by National Public Radio that found high-income areas received more funding than low-income communities. Both Mr. Senterfitt and Mr. Bucchhere assured the committee that they work at the local level to provide aid to all members of their community. Mr. Senterfitt stated that the NPR investigation unfairly compared “apples to footballs” since repetitive flood loss programs, like buyouts, and rental housing assistance are two different programs. He said that FEMA was fair and equitable in its response following Hurricane Irma and that more research was needed to understand the issue.
Learn more about the hearing and watch archived footage at: https://bit.ly/2O1HvKn