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Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management Crisis and Emergency Management Newsletter Website |
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October/November
2007
Volume 13 - Number
1/2 |
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Revitalization: Hillary Rodham Clinton’s Plans for FEMA and the Gulf Coast Region By Lauren Ohl-Trlica The race for the presidency is off to an early start
for this election cycle. The candidates are defining their platforms on various
issues: global warming, energy policy, the war in Iraq, and also the future
of FEMA and disaster management. One of the candidates, Hillary Rodham Clinton,
has definitive plans for both FEMA and the recovery efforts of New Orleans.
Although Clinton has not published materials pertaining to the future of FEMA on her presidential campaign website, this does not mean she does not have plans and opinions on the matter. Clinton is currently a senator for the state of New York and has made policy statements about FEMA during her tenure there. On September 6, 2005, after a visit with victims of Hurricane Katrina in Houston, Texas, she announced that she was introducing legislation to restore FEMA to a “cabinet-level, independent federal agency” according to a press release on the Democratic Leadership Council website. At this time, Clinton also announced she was going to introduce legislation to create an independent commission to investigate how relief efforts were being handled (modeled after the 9/11 commission). The legislation backed by Clinton would refocus the mission of FEMA back onto projects pertaining to mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. The legislation promotes interaction and the development of relations between local, state, and federal governments. The legislation also stipulates that FEMA retain independent control of assets necessary for adequate response to natural disasters. Although Clinton has not made formal statements about her policy plans for FEMA during her presidency, her senatorial history is indicative that she plans to promote and define FEMA’s position within the federal government. For her presidential campaign, Clinton has made a definitive, stepwise agenda for Gulf Coast recovery, as evidenced by a feature article on her campaign website. The agenda outlines ten points to be executed that would sponsor recovery in New Orleans and the surrounding areas. Clinton believes that meaningful recovery will require both federal leadership and federal funding. The plan outlines measures like “Cutting the Red Tape” to reduce and simplify paperwork associated with rebuilding projects. Immediate projects include hiring and equipping police officers to cut crime and assure safety in the region. Clinton would also like to build a “Hurricane Protection System” that includes Category 5 rated levees as well as the restoration of wetlands (a natural protective barrier). Clinton also has a significant social agenda to nurture the recovery of the Gulf Coast region. She would like build 21st century schools and revitalize the “lagging healthcare system.” “Smart Development” is also on the docket, as she would like to implement federal assistance for the installation of “green” homes and public transportation systems. Through her senatorial legislation as well as her campaign platform, it is clear that Hillary Rodham Clinton is dedicated to revitalizing both FEMA and the Gulf Coast region. |