PREPARE Act

The PREPARE Act (H.R. 4840) proposes a reorganization of the Department of Homeland Security to improve how the federal government handles large-scale disasters. The bill requires that the leaders of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) be professionals with extensive backgrounds in emergency management rather than political appointees without relevant experience. Additionally, during major national emergencies, the head of FEMA would report directly to the President to ensure faster communication and decision-making.

For citizens, these changes are intended to ensure that federal disaster responses are led by qualified experts rather than administrators. By streamlining the chain of command and consolidating various preparedness offices under one leader, the bill aims to create a more efficient and accountable system for providing aid and resources to communities during crises.