FEMA Administrator Testifies on Reforms for 2007 Hurricane Season

Speaking before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Paulison noted that FEMA's recent reorganization and adjustments included in the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act have resulted in "a New FEMA that is stronger and more nimble that it was just a year ago."

He said the agency has new, experienced leaders on staff, pre-arranged contracts for supplies and other elements in place to expedite response to disasters.

In addition, Paulison informed House members that FEMA has:

• Created "engaged partnerships" with state and local governments.
• Facilitated and supplied an effective unified command across all levels of government,
• Engaged with hurricane-prone states to gain a better understanding of their vulnerabilities,
• Improved logistics and communications capabilities to improve response, and
• Enhanced disaster assistance capabilities for recovery efforts.

Paulison said the response to disasters this year – including tornadoes, floods and storms across the country – indicate how quickly FEMA will coordinate the federal response in the future.