Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB444

Introduced
2/6/25  

Caption

Federal Emergency Mobilization Accountability (FEMA) Workforce Planning Act

Impact

The legislation is intended to significantly improve the operational capabilities of FEMA by ensuring that the agency has a skilled workforce capable of responding to disasters in a timely and effective manner. By monitoring trends in workforce attrition, this plan can help close critical staffing gaps and align resources with the agency's mission. The bill further calls for periodic updates, with plans to be re-evaluated at least once every three years, promoting continuous improvement within FEMA.

Summary

SB444, known as the Federal Emergency Mobilization Accountability (FEMA) Workforce Planning Act, mandates the development of a comprehensive workforce plan for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The bill aims to enhance FEMA's ability to manage its personnel effectively in preparation for emergencies and disasters. It obliges the FEMA Administrator to create, and submit to specific Congressional committees, a human capital operating plan that outlines workforce needs, strategies for recruitment and retention, and performance measures to evaluate progress towards staffing goals.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on workforce efficiency and management, there may be points of contention regarding its implementation, especially considering the requirement for no new funds to be appropriated under this Act. Critics might argue that without dedicated funding, the plan could face challenges in achieving its ambitious goals. Additionally, the success of the bill will depend on how well FEMA addresses the identified barriers to effective staff retention and recruitment, leading to discussions about existing federal workforce policies.

Congress_id

119-S-444

Introduced_date

2025-02-06

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

CA AB2915

Workforce development boards: mutual disaster aid assistance: memorandum of understanding.

MS SB2719

Workforce enhancement training fund; authorize use for workforce-related postsecondary education programs.

MS SB2286

Workforce Enhancement Training Fund contributions; provide for suspensions under certain circumstances.

CA AB902

Career technical education and workforce development.

CA AB977

Workforce development.

MS HB1567

Workforce development; revise various provisions related to.

CA SB275

Eligible training provider list.

MS HB179

Health care and education shortage assistance program; establish to help attract professionals to work in certain counties.