FEMA again a victim of politics (Wilmington NC Star-News)

Thomas Birkland
Published: Friday, May 8, 2009 at 3:54 p.m.
Last Modified: Friday, May 8, 2009 at 3:54 p.m.

President Obama's nomination of W. Craig Fugate as leader of the Federal Emergency Management Agency is welcome news for anyone in disaster prone areas and signals a return to improved management of FEMA after the Katrina debacle.

Fugate's appointment is being stalled by an obscure maneuver - a "hold" - from one U.S. Senator. The fact that this appointment is being blocked is disappointing; but what is outrageous, is that Sen. David Vitter, Republican of Louisiana placed the hold.

Yes, a senator from the state hit hardest by Katrina is holding up the nomination of a highly competent manager. Delaying Fugate's confirmation is particularly troubling because the hurricane season starts in June. My colleagues at N.C. State University predict there will likely be six to eight hurricanes in the Atlantic, with a 45 percent chance that one will reach landfall in the Southeast.

Vitter is delaying FEMA's return to strong, able leadership just when our vulnerability to hurricanes is at its highest. Should one U.S. senator be allowed to do this? Surely not ...

http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20090508/ARTICLES/905084006?Title=Thomas-Birkland-FEMA-again-a-victim-of-politics