Qualifications of Bush pick to head FEMA praised at hearing

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David Paulison breezed through his Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday to become director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency as he said the much-criticized agency is better prepared for the upcoming hurricane season.

Although the agency came under continuing fire from leaders of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Paulison was applauded for his emergency preparedness qualifications. Paulison was named acting director in September, replacing the discredited Michael Brown following hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

"FEMA's problems are bone-deep, and at the surface, its credibility is shattered," said Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairwoman Susan Collins, R-Maine. "We must transform the agency into a new, all-hazards authority within the Department of Homeland Security."

Paulison cited improved operations, logistics, communications and a beefed-up staff. Noting the loss of key personnel, Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, commented, "I would imagine morale is low."

Paulison said he looking for "good people" to overcome the morale problem.

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