RESPOND Act of 2006

The RESPOND Act of 2006 was a legislative proposal designed to restructure the federal government’s disaster management system by re-establishing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent, cabinet-level agency. By removing FEMA from the Department of Homeland Security, the bill aimed to streamline disaster response and give the FEMA Director direct access to the President during national emergencies.

For everyday citizens, the bill sought to improve the speed and effectiveness of federal aid following major disasters like hurricanes or terrorist attacks. It proposed strengthening local emergency capabilities through new grant programs, creating specialized "reconnaissance teams" to relay real-time information from disaster zones, and ensuring that emergency communications and instructions are accessible to individuals with limited English proficiency. While the bill was approved by several House committees, it did not become law; however, many of its core ideas were later incorporated into the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act.