Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, announced the June introduction of the following three bills, which are aimed at enhancing national preparedness and response capabilities.
H.R. 6425—The Homeland Security Relief Corps Act of 2008. This bill establishes a Relief Corps within the Department of Homeland Security to respond to disasters whether natural or human-induced.
H.R. 6392—The Alerting Lives Through Effective and Reliable Technological Systems Act of 2008 (or the ALERTS Act of 2008). This bill expands the emergency alert and warning system within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide Americans information before and during critical emergencies.
H.R. 6395—The Department of Homeland Security Preparedness, Research, and Education Program Act of 2008 (or the DHS PREP Act of 2008). This bill establishes a DHS fellowship program to conduct research and subsequently develop best practices for disaster response and recovery.
For more information on the introduction of these bills, visit the committee website.