Senators Compromising on FEMA Expansion

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Senators have agreed on a compromise to restructure and expand the Federal Emergency Management Agency, restoring some of its responsibilities. The FEMA director, currently David Paulison, would have direct access to the president in a crisis, but the agency would remain a part of the Homeland Security Department. The compromise will be included in a budget bill Congress is scheduled to vote on this month.

Sen. Susan Collins, who heads the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, worked out the compromise late Friday with Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, the committee's top Democrat.

"This legislation will provide FEMA with the authority, resources, and leadership necessary to help us be better prepared for the next catastrophe, whether it is natural disaster or a terrorist attack," Collins, R-Maine, said Saturday.

The plan, which now goes to House-Senate negotiators, includes stricter requirements for who could serve as FEMA director.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060916/ap_on_go_co/fema_s_future