Bill seeks to bolster federal disaster response

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) is espousing the benefits of a bill that would bolster federal disaster response efforts.

Peters, chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, recently detailed how the Repeal of Obsolete DHS Contracting Requirements Act would address a section of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 prohibiting the use of subcontracts for more than 65 percent of the cost of certain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emergency response and recovery contracts.

Peters maintains the section conflicts with a provision of the 2009 National Defense Authorization Act imposing a limitation on subcontracting of 70 percent of contract cost for all federal contracts.

“Providing FEMA officials and contractors with different subcontracting requirements than other federal agencies not only causes confusion, it also hampers our nation’s disaster response efforts at a time when extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and more severe,” Peters said. “This bipartisan bill will strengthen our nation’s federal disaster response and provide clear guidance to federal officials and contractors responsible for helping Americans recover from natural disasters.”

Peters previously secured funds for an initiative designed to aid states in establishing revolving loan programs for local governments executing mitigation projects reducing the risk of shoreline erosion, extreme flooding, and other natural disasters.

He also convened a hearing with disaster preparedness and response experts as a means of determining how worsening natural disasters continue to harm lives and livelihoods in Michigan and nationwide.