Reforming FEMA: Two Senators Speak Out

by: Scarce

Wed Dec 03, 2008 at 08:37:17 AM EST

To the Editor:

Related
Editorial: Fixing FEMA (November 24, 2008)

Your Nov. 24 editorial "Fixing FEMA" is based on a myth that the agency was capable of handling a catastrophe before it was included in the Department of Homeland Security in 2003 to ensure an all-hazards approach to disasters, whether they are natural or man-made.

But our 2005-06 investigation into the failed response to Hurricane Katrina found that FEMA had never faced a catastrophe the magnitude of Katrina and would have been unable to respond effectively regardless of whether it was in or out of the Homeland Security Department.

Fortunately, today's FEMA is far better prepared than it was in 2005. To reform FEMA, we wrote legislation in 2006 elevating it within D.H.S. and providing the administrator direct access to the president in emergencies.

The real problem of Katrina and Washington, as seen through Joe Lieberman's eyes. [From 9/8/05, PBS Newshour]

Joe Lieberman gives cover to Bush's Katrina failures

From the hearings in New Orleans in January 2007.