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Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response, and Rep. Al Green (D-TX), Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, have announced the introduction of three bills to enhance US preparedness and response capabilities.
The bills are:
• H.R. 6425 - Sponsored by Rep. Thompson (D-MS) - The Homeland Security Relief Corps Act of 2008.
This bill establishes a Relief Corps within DHS to respond to disasters whether natural or manmade.
Rep. Thompson released the following statement along with introduction:
"With the floods in the Midwest and the other disasters this nation has seen since Katrina, it is time for citizens to get more involved in disaster response and recovery. This bill provides a path to the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast and provides hope for quicker recovery for residents of other ravaged areas."
• H.R. 6392 - Sponsored by Rep. Cuellar (D-TX) - The Alerting Lives Through Effective and Reliable Technological Systems Act of 2008 or the ALERTS Act of 2008.
This bill expands the emergency alert and warning system within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and provides Americans information before and during critical emergencies.
Rep. Cuellar released the following statement along with introduction:
"This bill will allow Congress to ensure that the Department of Homeland Security reduces the number of lives lost by utilizing next generation technology and all available modes of communication. It will provide critical homeland security information to as many people as possible, and in all locations--whether in school, on the job, or on the highway."
• H.R. 6395 - Sponsored by Rep. Green (D-TX) - The Department of Homeland Security Preparedness, Research, and Education Program Act of 2008 or the DHS PREP Act of 2008.
This bill establishes a fellowship program within DHS to conduct research and subsequently develop best practices for disaster response and recovery.
Rep. Green released the following statement along with introduction:
"The DHS PREP Act will provide opportunities for a diverse group of students to gain valuable experience at the Department of Homeland Security while enhancing our understanding of post-disaster recovery. It is often said that when we ignore the lessons of history, it is doomed to repeat itself. We must extract as much knowledge as possible from the devastating aftermath of disasters such as Hurricane Katrina to ensure that our nation is better equipped to respond to future disasters and the mistakes of the past are not repeated."
Source: Committee on Homeland Security
•Date: 2nd July 2008• Region: US •Type: Article •Topic: Emergency planning
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