We don’t think about FEMA that often — until we need it.
The agency is on the ground in Florida, where Gov. Ron DeSantis said this week, “I don’t think we’ve ever seen an effort mobilized for this many rescues this quickly.”
But FEMA only works if legislators give it the tools it needs, which is why we were so happy to see the Senate vote unanimously Thursday to pass a bill by Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) to expand and strengthen FEMA’s ability to respond to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear hazards.
The $40 million bill will expand training and provide resources to states and localities to protect against such dangers, whether they come from natural disasters or terrorism.
It’s hard to disagree with that — which is why no senators did.
Elected officials hold real and sincere differences on some things. But on many more, they are in basic agreement on the essential needs of the nation. When they want to get things done, they can.
