The question on the inclusion of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) into the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a critical and sensitive question. Various debates have been carried out on the same issue by our legislators in the recent past. The Department of Homeland Security established pursuant to the passing into effect of the Homeland Security Act in 2002, was aimed at bringing together various state agencies with the sole intent of creating a water tight security and prevent the re-occurrence of the 9/11 attack on the U.S soil. The Federal Emergency Management Agency happened to be one of the many agencies that were consolidated together under the big umbrella of the Department of Homeland Security. But the question remains-what is the relationship that exists between these two departments?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency which traces its roots since time in memorial in the Congressional Act of 1803 has the sole mandate of preventing and responding to disasters or hazards that may befall the citizens of the United States. The bone of contention comes with the ambiguity of the nature of these disasters or hazards. Should one treat the natural calamities like the hurricane Katrina the same as terrorist attacks like the 9/11 incident?
Indeed, one remains alive to the fact that there is no clear cut regarding this. Nevertheless, I strongly believe that the Federal Emergency Management Agency should be treated as a separate and independent agency for it to attain its efficiency and efficacy. However, there must be smooth inter-agency cooperation and free flow of information to guarantee transparency and accountability. This will translate to more synergy and energy and hence the guaranteed safety of the American citizens.
References
US Department of Homeland Security . (2009). National Infrastructure Protection Plan. Washington DC: US Department of Homeland Security . Retrieved from http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/NIPP_Plan.pdf.
Whitehouse. (2013, December 14). Homeland Security: Guiding Principles. Retrieved January 14, 2014, from Whitehouse: http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/homeland-security
