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From Daniel Fowler’s article, “FEMA, DHS Need Each Other, Secretary Says“:

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano gave some explanation on Tuesday for wanting to keep the Federal Emergency Management Agency within DHS — something House members didn’t ask her to do when she revealed her position at a Homeland Security hearing last week.

“I can’t say it any better than the inspector general did in looking at this same question,” Napolitano said, “but within the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA has a home. We can work on a day-in, day-out basis on improving what FEMA does and the assistance that they can provide to the states and localities.”

Speaking at a hurricane-preparedness news briefing at FEMA headquarters just hours after that agency’s new administrator, Craig Fugate, was sworn into office, Napolitano pointed to “synergies” between FEMA and other DHS agencies as an important reason for maintaining the status quo.

There is only one word to respond to Secretary Napolitano’s comments yesterday about her reasons on FEMA remaining in DHS.

“Amen.”

Rich Cooper blogs primarily on emergency preparedness and response, management issues related to the Department of Homeland Security, and the private sector’s role in homeland security. Read More