WASHINGTON, D.C.— Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Susan Collins (R-ME) and Ranking Member Joe Lieberman (D-CT) today held a public hearing on the nomination of R. David Paulison to be Under Secretary for Federal Emergency Management at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Discussions at the hearing focused on FEMA's readiness for this year's hurricane season, Paulison's views on the recommendations of the Committee’s Hurricane Katrina Report, "A Nation Still Unprepared," and FEMA’s response to the recent floods in New England.
Specifically, Senator Collins noted the severe flooding that has taken place in York County, Maine over the last week and asked Paulison what efforts FEMA has undertaken to assist the communities, small businesses, and home owners affected by these floods. She further inquired about the State of Maine’s request for a Disaster Declaration. Paulison indicated that they were working to address the needs of the affected areas and would be processing the State’s declaration request as “quickly as possible.”
"The recent floods in the southern part of Maine, in New Hampshire, and in Massachusetts remind us that disaster can strike anywhere and at any time. The terrible human suffering and the physical devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina were horrifying. But from natural disasters to terrorist attacks, we can easily construct scenarios that would be even worse. FEMA plays a central role in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from such catastrophes," said Senator Collins.
Senator Collins also asked Paulison his views on one the Committee's Hurricane Katrina report central findings that FEMA should stay within the Department of Homeland Security. Paulison responded saying, "FEMA belongs within DHS" and explained that the agency needs DHS resources at its fingertips to effectively respond to a disaster.
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