House leader: Keep feds out of disaster response

CongressDaily September 26, 2005

House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, is disagreeing with President Bush and others considering how and when the military should take greater control of relief efforts during national disasters.

"I don't want the federal government to take over disaster response, believe me," he told the Associated Press.

DeLay said he could not support a system that did not allow local first responders to remain in charge during a catastrophe. Asked why, he responded: "Bureaucracy. Bureaucracy. Bureaucracy."

The White House and some lawmakers say the Pentagon has the ability to respond quickly and with enough manpower.

"If you have a situation like a Hurricane Katrina where the state and local first responders, to a large extent, are victims themselves and somewhat overwhelmed, then what do you do in a situation like that," said White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan.

VIEW ALL 6 COMMENTS POST COMMENT

COMMENTS

  • Skeptical, Nothing to be scared about? What about cleaning up the mess Bush has left us with the budget, disasterous changes in the personnel system of those organizations who contribute greatly to national security, damage done to the CIA by Ratman Rove and Scooter Libbey's involvement in outing a CIA operative, the attempts to weaken security from future attacks by making it easier for illegals to get in, and the longterm devastation that will occur due to Bush's failed invasion of Iraq. These failures will have consequences for decades for this country, our children and grandchildren. And, the entire world, for that matter. Be afraid, be very afraid. GovExec.com reader Posted September 30, 2005 7:24 AM
  • Whether you like or dislike the current president, he can't get re-elected. Unless you have heard of some star-chamber effort to eliminate the mandated term constraints on the presidency and think that despite the ratings he currently suffers he could get re-elected, you really have nothing to be scared about. Skeptical Posted September 29, 2005 1:53 PM
  • As much as I dislike Tom Delay's politics, I do support him in his efforts to keep the feds out of controlling and directing local response to disasters. GovExec.com reader Posted September 27, 2005 1:21 PM
VIEW ALL 6 COMMENTS

RELATED STORIES