FEMA Reform

The botched government response to Hurricane Katrina has prompted the U.S. Congress to explore how best to reform the way our nation responds to large-scale disasters, including how best to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  While this discussion has largely focused on the location of FEMA within the federal bureaucracy, some in Congress are also considering significant improvements in how first responders are used during a disaster, and how they are cared for following disasters.

The IAFF believes that comprehensive FEMA reform, including initiatives to benefit first responders involved in disaster response, must occur within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  Recently, legislation reforming FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security passed the Congress and was signed into law.  Previously, legislation reforming FEMA within DHS had been introduced in the House by Representatives (H.R. 5351) by David Reichert (R-WA) and Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), and in the Senate (S. 3721) by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Joe Lieberman (D-CT).  H.R. 5351 and S. 3721 also address two major IAFF initiatives to improve the manner in which fire fighters are used during a disaster, and to require the establishment of medical monitoring programs for first responders following disasters, although these specific provisions were not signed into law.

For more information about FEMA reform and its legislative history, click here:  Fact Sheet