Getting rid of FEMA is one of the recommendations coming from the Senate inguiry looking into the governments response to Katrina. Abolish FEMA and create a National Preparedness and Response Authority to oversee domestic disaster preparedness training and coordinate government disaster response. FEMA to NPRA? The report will be released soon.
It appears that the new authority would communicate directly with the President during major crises and any large cuts to budget or staffing levels would need Congressional approval. I feel so much better now that the President would be be in direct communication. I would feel much better yet if the inquiry report demanded that the President be held down and forced to pay attention! I am sure that President Bush would insure that the proper Congressional approvals were sought proir to budget cuts.
I smell a wumpus.