Summary

Summary of Executive Order on FEMA Review Council

Purpose

• The executive order aims to enhance the effectiveness, priorities, and competency of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in response to recent disasters, particularly Hurricane Helene.
• It identifies areas for improvement, citing concerns about political bias in FEMA's operations and the allocation of resources beyond its primary responsibilities.
• The objective is to ensure a prompt, effective, and impartial disaster response for American citizens.

Actions Taken

• Establishment of the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council (Council):

• Composed of up to 20 members, including the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense as Co-Chairs.

• Members include agency heads and appointed non-Federal experts with diverse experiences related to disaster response and recovery.

• Functions of the Council:

• Advise the President on FEMA’s capabilities and recommended improvements.

• Conduct assessments of FEMA’s disaster response over the past four years.

• Solicit input from various stakeholders, including the public, to inform their recommendations.

• The Council is required to hold its first public meeting within 90 days and report back to the President within 180 days of that meeting.

Expected Impact

• The Council's comprehensive review aims to provide insights into organizational effectiveness and operational improvements for FEMA.
• The anticipated outcome is a set of recommendations to enhance FEMA’s structure and response capabilities, ensuring that disaster relief is timely and fair across the nation.
• The order emphasizes collaboration between Federal and State authorities to maintain the integrity of disaster response efforts.

Administration and Termination

• The Council will operate with support from the Department of Homeland Security and will terminate one year from the order's date unless extended.
• It underscores adherence to existing laws and budgetary constraints in its operations.