National Volunteer Fire Council
WASHINGTON — Just hours after President Barack Obama was sworn in, the Senate confirmed Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano by way of a voice vote as the nation’s third Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Napolitano attended a confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on January 15 where she faced questions on a variety of issues. In describing her priorities for DHS, Napolitano expressed her desire to create a unified vision for the department “and to create a culture” for a department that “has many aspects to it, not 21 separate agencies or 22 separate agencies.” During the question and answer session, Napolitano touched on several issues of direct importance to the fire service, including interoperability, fire grants, and the future of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
As governor, Napolitano made interoperability a priority for Arizona, and led the state in establishing a statewide interoperability communication system. Napolitano noted that she was familiar with the challenges in building interoperability systems, underscoring that “it is a resource issue, it’s a regional issue, and it’s a state issue.” Despite the challenges, she affirmed her belief that interoperability is a vital priority and pointed to her experience as governor to encourage DHS to take on a leadership role on interoperability issues under her direction.
During the hearing, Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI) asked Napolitano if she felt that there was a need to increase funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. She expressed her belief that the grants are “very, very important” and also indicated her desire to see more funding for fire prevention activities.
Throughout the hearing, members of the Committee continually mentioned the role of FEMA and emergency response management. While no one directly asked Napolitano about her position on whether FEMA should remain part of DHS or should once again become a separate agency, Chairman Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and ranking member Susan Collins (R-ME) both expressed their desire to see FEMA remain within DHS. This position is shared by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC).
In a noncommittal written response to the committee regarding the future of FEMA, Napolitano wrote, “The issue of FEMA’s status is not a simple one and does not lend itself to short answers or merely reactive measures. As long as FEMA remains at DHS, I will work to incorporate FEMA within DHS so that it achieves maximum effectiveness.” She also noted that there is “considerable debate on the subject” and pledged to “review in depth the issues surrounding FEMA’s roles and responsibilities.”
As DHS Secretary, Napolitano will oversee an agency with over 200,000 employees and broad jurisdiction. Napolitano brings years of government and management experience to Washington. As governor, Napolitano became the first woman to chair the National Governors Association, was the chair of the Western Governors Association, and was instrumental in creating the Public Safety Task Force and the Homeland Security Advisors Council. She has experience coordinating federal, state, local, and homeland security efforts and has managed large-scale disaster relief efforts and readiness exercises. Prior to her service as governor, Napolitano served as the Attorney General of Arizona and the U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona.
The NVFC looks forward to working with Secretary Napolitano and the new Administration on behalf of the volunteer emergency services community.