Council to Assess the Federal Emergency Management Agency
January 24, 2025
Action Summary
- Purpose & Policy: Mandates a comprehensive review of FEMA’s recent performance in disaster response, emphasizing the need for improved efficacy, impartiality, and a return to its core mission of disaster relief. Highlights concerns regarding political bias and misallocation of resources, including spending excessive funds on non-disaster related activities.
- Establishment of the Council: Creates the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council composed of up to 20 members. The Council includes the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense (who serve as Co-Chairs), additional agency heads, and distinguished non-Federal experts with diverse backgrounds in disaster preparedness and disaster relief management.
- Council Functions:
- Advise the President (via key national security and budget officials) on FEMA’s capacity to support and not supplant State disaster response.
- Review and assess FEMA’s disaster responses over the past four years, including staffing, timeliness, supply distribution, and overall efficacy compared to State, local, and private sector responses.
- Examine historical and contemporary disaster relief structures, public debates on FEMA reforms, and recommend improvements to enhance national resilience.
- Solicit broad stakeholder input—including public comments and expert opinions—and hold regular meetings, including at least one public meeting within 90 days and a formal report submission within 180 days thereafter.
- Administration Provisions:
- Requires executive departments and agencies to provide necessary information to support the Council’s activities.
- Authorizes the formation of subcommittees and ad hoc groups to assist with detailed analyses.
- Ensures administrative, technical, and funding support through the Department of Homeland Security, according to legal appropriations.
- Council members will serve without compensation but may receive authorized travel expenses.
- Termination & General Provisions:
- The Council is set to terminate one year from the order’s date unless extended by the President.
- Maintains that the order does not compromise existing departmental authorities or the roles of key budget and administrative officials, and does not create enforceable rights against the government.
Risks & Considerations
- The Executive Order calls for a comprehensive review of FEMA, which may lead to significant changes in disaster response protocols. This could impact Vanderbilt University’s emergency preparedness and response strategies, necessitating updates to align with new federal guidelines.
- Political bias concerns within FEMA could affect the allocation of resources during disasters, potentially impacting the university’s ability to receive timely assistance in the event of a natural disaster.
- The focus on improving FEMA’s efficacy and impartiality may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory changes, which could affect partnerships and collaborations with federal agencies.
- Vanderbilt University may need to engage with the Council to provide insights or data, especially if the university has relevant expertise in disaster management and emergency preparedness.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s Emergency Preparedness Office may need to reassess its disaster response plans to ensure compliance with any new FEMA guidelines or recommendations resulting from the Council’s review.
- The Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and Environment could see opportunities to contribute research and expertise to the Council, particularly in areas related to disaster resilience and environmental impact assessments.
- Peabody College of Education and Human Development might explore new research opportunities in disaster response education and training, potentially collaborating with FEMA or other federal agencies.
Financial Impact
- Changes in FEMA’s funding priorities could affect the availability of federal grants for disaster preparedness and response initiatives, impacting Vanderbilt’s funding strategies in these areas.
- There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in disaster management and policy reform, particularly through collaborations with the Department of Homeland Security and other federal entities.
- Potential shifts in federal disaster response funding could influence the university’s budget allocations for emergency preparedness and infrastructure improvements.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential changes in disaster response protocols.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Disaster Management Program should engage with the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council to provide expertise and insights on disaster response and recovery. This involvement could enhance the program’s visibility and influence in shaping national disaster management policies.
- The Office of Federal Relations should monitor the Council’s findings and recommendations to anticipate changes in FEMA’s operations that could impact university-led disaster research and initiatives. This will help Vanderbilt align its strategies with federal priorities and potentially secure funding for related projects.
- Vanderbilt’s Research Centers focusing on public policy and emergency preparedness should consider contributing to the public commentary process initiated by the Council. By sharing research and recommendations, these centers can play a role in the national dialogue on FEMA reform and disaster preparedness.
Opportunities
- The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering to collaborate on developing innovative technologies and solutions for disaster response and recovery. Engaging in partnerships with federal agencies and private sector stakeholders could lead to advancements in this field and enhance the university’s research portfolio.
- Vanderbilt can capitalize on the focus on improving FEMA’s efficacy by hosting conferences and workshops that bring together experts in disaster management, policy, and technology. This could position the university as a leader in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in disaster resilience.
- The emphasis on evaluating FEMA’s role and effectiveness aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to public service and policy impact. By actively participating in discussions and initiatives related to FEMA reform, the university can strengthen its role as a thought leader in public policy and emergency management.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order suggests some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with potential changes in FEMA’s operations and disaster management policies.)
Timeline for Implementation
- First Public Meeting: The Council is to hold its first public meeting within 90 days of January 24, 2025.
- Report Submission: The Council must submit its report to the President within 180 days of its first public meeting.
- Council Termination: The Council will terminate 1 year from the date of this order (January 24, 2025).
Relevance Score: 2
Impacted Government Organizations
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): The order centers on reviewing FEMA’s performance in disaster response and its organizational practices.
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS): DHS is pivotal as its Secretary is mandated to serve as a Council member and provide administrative and funding support for the review.
- Department of Defense (DoD): The DoD is involved through the inclusion of its Secretary as a member and co-chair of the newly established Council.
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB): The Director of OMB is designated as a key advisor to the President, receiving the Council’s recommendations.
Relevance Score: 2 (A small number of Federal Agencies are directly impacted by this executive order.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of Homeland Security – As a designated Co-Chair of the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council, responsible for leading the Council’s activities, providing administrative, technical, and funding support (including fulfilling Federal Advisory Committee Act reporting duties), and ensuring interagency information sharing.
- Secretary of Defense – Serving as the other Co-Chair of the Council, tasked with leading the review efforts alongside the Secretary of Homeland Security and contributing to the oversight and evaluation of FEMA’s disaster response.
- Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies – Required to supply information and support to the Council to assist in evaluating FEMA’s effectiveness in disaster preparedness and response.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directs Cabinet-level officials and requires coordination among high-level agency heads, affecting national security and emergency management at the highest levels of government.)