Rep. Demings hosts disaster response, recovery roundtable in Orlando

U.S. Rep. Val Demings (D-FL), chair of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery, recently convened a roundtable in Orlando, Fla., addressing federal security and disaster response and recovery operations.

The initiative allowed central Florida officials and emergency managers to talk with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and other federal personnel responsible for national security and disaster response and recovery operations coordination.

“The safety and security of every American is my top priority,” Demings said. “I want to thank Secretary Mayorkas for accepting my invitation to meet with elected officials, first responders, emergency planners, airport and economic representatives to discuss how we can keep our community safe. Local-federal partnerships are critical to keep Floridians safe and to respond to severe weather, violent extremism, cyberattacks, and a host of other issues. By keeping our community and traveling public safe, we continue to grow Central Florida’s economy and improve our quality of life.”

Demings said the conversation served as an opportunity to share unfiltered feedback, concerns, and on-the-ground success stories.

“I’m excited for the continued work to come as we support our first responders and emergency planners and continue to grow as the world’s best region to live, work and visit,” she said.

Demings has led efforts to support anti-terror programs, including the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) program and the Nonprofit Security Grant Program – adding the UASI provides funding aiding terror-prevention planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercises in potentially targeted urban areas.