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A bill to require the development of a workforce plan for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

2/7/2025, 11:56 AM

Summary of Bill S 444

Bill 119 s 444, also known as the "Federal Emergency Management Agency Workforce Planning Act," is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to address the need for a comprehensive workforce plan within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The bill was introduced in the Senate and is currently under consideration.

The main objective of this bill is to require FEMA to develop a detailed workforce plan that outlines the agency's staffing needs, recruitment strategies, training programs, and retention efforts. The plan would also address issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the agency's workforce.

The bill emphasizes the importance of having a well-trained and diverse workforce at FEMA in order to effectively respond to emergencies and disasters. By developing a comprehensive workforce plan, the agency can better prepare for and respond to a wide range of emergencies, from natural disasters to public health crises. Overall, Bill 119 s 444 seeks to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of FEMA by ensuring that the agency has the necessary personnel and resources in place to respond to emergencies in a timely and coordinated manner. It is an important piece of legislation that aims to strengthen FEMA's ability to protect and assist the American people during times of crisis.

Congressional Summary of S 444

Federal Emergency Mobilization Accountability (FEMA) Workforce Planning Act

This bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop and submit to Congress every three years a human capital operating plan to shape and improve FEMA’s workforce, and it requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit a report analyzing the plan.

Specifically, the bill lists contents FEMA must include in the plan, such as performance measures to track staffing and training, strategies for increasing cost-efficiency, and a plan of action to address gaps in critical and emerging skills in FEMA’s workforce. The plan must discuss the membership and training of the Surge Capacity Force, through which federal employees deploy in response to a catastrophic disaster. FEMA must submit the first plan within one year after the bill’s enactment and subsequent plans at least once every three years.

The bill also requires GAO to submit a report analyzing whether FEMA’s plan meets the requirements of the bill, including any recommendations to ensure subsequent plans meet the requirements.

Current Status of Bill S 444

Bill S 444 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 6, 2025. Bill S 444 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on February 6, 2025.  Bill S 444's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. as of February 6, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 444

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
1
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 444

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 444

A bill to require the development of a workforce plan for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
A bill to require the development of a workforce plan for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Comments

Jason Chambers profile image

Jason Chambers

607

1 year ago

I don't care about this bill, but it sounds like a good idea for FEMA. They need a plan for their workforce.