WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology Chairman Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY) announced a field hearing with Subcommittee Ranking Member Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) on November 28, 2023, at 8:00 AM CT in New Orleans, Louisiana. The purpose of this hearing is to examine disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery in coastal communities. The hearing will focus on local communities’ current coordination with the federal government, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will evaluate improvements to that coordination, and address state and local emergency preparedness responsibilities. 
 
“Eighteen years after the devastation and tragic loss of life caused by Hurricane Katrina, we know the importance of federal, state, and local entity coordination in mitigating the effects of natural disasters,” Chairman D’Esposito said. “As historic storms, such as Superstorm Sandy, impact Americans in coastal communities, we must ensure all levels of government are taking a proactive approach to building infrastructure and protocols that are resilient in the face of often unpredictable disasters. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses on how we can streamline or eliminate bureaucracy so local communities can get the help they need, when they need it, and assess how efficiently federal funds are being spent to ensure various local entities can better serve and protect their communities.” 
 
DETAILS:
 
WHAT: A Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology field hearing entitled, “Emergency Preparedness: Examining Federal, State, and Local Coordination in Coastal Communities.”
 
DATE: Tuesday, November 28, 2023
 
TIME: 8:00 AM CT / 9:00 AM ET
 
LOCATION: Millie M. Charles School of Social Work Auditorium, Southern University at New Orleans, 6400 Press Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70122
 
WITNESSES:
 
Tony Robinson
Region 6 Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security 

Francisco Sánchez Jr.
Associate Administrator, Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience, Small Business Administration (SBA)

Casey Tingle
Director, Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), State of Louisiana
 
Pamela Gonzales Granger
President and Owner, McBade Engineers & Consultants, LLC 
 
The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed on YouTube and the Committee’s website. 

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