US “Failed” With Their Response To Katrina: Works To Find A Solution

By Chris Moses
The Blue Print
on Homeland Security:

Homeland Security believes the Federal Emergency Management Agency should not become an independent institution, but needs to make FEMA a more productive and adept program. Lobbyist from the Heritage Foundation, Joe Albanese, believes Hurricane Katrina was so destructive because the local government and FEMA were irresponsible with their responses.

Albanese says New Orleans should have initially relied on the local government to respond better for help and then contacted FEMA. For example, the local government reportedly did not call for an evacuation until last minute, even though they knew the impending storm would be catastrophic. As a result, FEMA came in late and did not effectively help New Orleans.

To solve this problem, Barney Frank (D-Ma), proposes a bill, which centers on the idea that natural disasters should be rated on a scale from one to five, five being the most destructive. This way FEMA will become a more streamlined and efficient program to relieve natural disasters; it will also become less wasteful and more prepared to tackle impending disasters.

In addition, Red Cross representatives made an appearance at the session, requesting to join FEMA. They believe this will make FEMA more effective since Red Cross has been around before the 1900’s and has many resources and members.

Some believe they have discovered the solution through the creation of a new bill and teaming up with Red Cross. Homeland Security must determine where funds will come from and whether they be increased or decreased.